demand

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/dɪˈmænd/
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A forceful request, the economic force driving purchases, or the act of insisting something be done — in all senses carrying a sense of urgency or entitlement.

Examples

  • She faced the demands of a high-pressure job.
  • The demand for electric cars has risen sharply.
  • Demands were made during the negotiations.
  • He demanded an explanation from the manager.
  • The product is available on demand.

Similar words

insistence
command
claim
market interest
ultimatum
need
claim
desire
consumption
exact

Meanings

A forceful or urgent request

noun
everyday
neutral
A forceful or insistent request for something to be done or given, often with the implication that it is owed or required.

Examples

  • The workers issued a formal demand for higher wages.
  • There was a growing demand for action on climate change.
  • Demands were made during the negotiations.
  • The teacher's strict demand for silence was met with compliance.
  • She faced the demands of a high-pressure job.

Similar words

Consumer desire for goods or services

noun
business
technical
In economics, the desire and ability of buyers to purchase a good or service at a given price. Together with supply, it determines market prices.

Examples

  • The demand for electric cars has risen sharply.
  • Low prices increased consumer demand.
  • An unexpected drop in demand affected profits.
  • High demand led to supply shortages.
  • The product is available on demand.

Similar words

To ask or require with authority

verb
everyday
neutral
To ask for something with authority or insistence, or to require something as necessary.

Examples

  • He demanded an explanation from the manager.
  • She demanded that the report be finished by noon.
  • The protesters demanded justice for the victim.
  • The contract demands full disclosure.
  • The situation demands immediate action.

Similar words

Etymology

From Old French demander ('to request, demand'), from Latin dēmandāre ('to entrust, charge with a commission'), combining de- ('completely') and mandāre ('to order'). The original Latin sense was entrusting someone with a task; it shifted toward insistent asking in Medieval Latin and Anglo-French legal use. The 'ask with urgency' sense entered English in the early 15th century; the 'require as necessary' sense appeared by the mid-18th century.

FAQ

What does demand mean?

Demand means a forceful or insistent request (the workers' demand), the economic desire to buy something (consumer demand), or to require something with authority (the job demands patience).

What is the difference between demand and request?

A request is polite and implies the other person has a choice. A demand is forceful and implies entitlement or authority. Demanding is stronger and can sound aggressive in everyday settings.

Is 'demand for' correct grammar?

As a noun, 'demand for' is correct: 'demand for higher wages'. As a verb, 'demand for' is wrong: say 'she demanded a refund', not 'she demanded for a refund'.

What does demand mean in economics?

In economics, demand is the desire and ability of consumers to buy a good or service at various prices. It combines willingness to pay and purchasing power.

What is the origin of the word demand?

Demand comes from Old French demander, from Latin demandare ('to entrust, charge'). The sense of insistent asking developed in Medieval Latin and Anglo-French legal use, entering English in the early 15th century.

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