waneed
A state of psychological tension in which someone convinces themselves that a non-essential desire has become an essential requirement for their happiness, comfort or peace of mind. A blend of want and need, waneed describes the irrational feeling that an ambition, possession or outcome is absolutely necessary, even when you know perfectly well you could live without it.
"She spent three sleepless nights obsessing over buying a vintage synthesizer she doesn't know how to play. It was pure waneed."
"Half of consumer society runs on waneed — convincing people that their passing whims are basic human necessities."
"Half of consumer society runs on waneed — convincing people that their passing whims are basic human necessities."
waneed by KWDesign/the.yearning.observer November 4, 2026