necessity

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ne|ces|sity /nɪs'esɪti/ (necessities)
1 [N-UNCOUNT] usu with supp
The necessity of something is the fact that it must happen or exist.
There is agreement on the necessity of reforms...
Most women, like men, work from economic necessity...
Some people have to lead stressful lifestyles out of necessity.
[PHRASE] usu PHR before v, PHR n/adj/adv
If you say that something is of necessity the case, you mean that it is the case because nothing else is possible or practical in the circumstances.
Negotiations between the enemies are of necessity indirect.
2 [N-COUNT]
A necessity is something that you must have in order to live properly or do something.
Water is a basic necessity of life.
...food, fuel and other daily necessities.
= essential
≠ luxury
3 [N-COUNT] usu sing
A situation or action that is a necessity is necessary and cannot be avoided.
The President pleaded that strong rule from the centre was a regrettable, but temporary necessity.

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