needies

adjective, need·i·er, need·i·est.

1. in a condition of need or want; poverty-stricken; impoverished; extremely poor; destitute.

noun

2. (used with a plural verb) needy persons collectively (usually preceded by the): Help the needy.

adjective needier or neediest

1. 1. in need of practical or emotional support; distressed
   2. (as collective noun; preceded by the)the needy

adj.late 12c., neodi “poor, indigent,” from need (n.) + adjectival suffix -y (2). Cf. Dutch noodig, German nothig, Old Norse nauðigr. As a noun from mid-14c. Related: Needily; neediness.