needful /ˈniːdfl̩/adjective 2noun 2forms 3 adjective2 •Needed; necessary; mandatory; requisite; indispensable. •(no longer used) Needy; in need.[…] where his active benevolence was ever found in cheerful co-operation for the cause of the humble & needful orphan […] — 1860 noun2 •Anything necessary or requisite.I think better of you for looking steadily to the needful. — 1857 •(slang) Ready money; wherewithal. formsneedfuls · more needful · most needful