The idiom "in demand" describes something or someone trendy, wanted, or needed by many people. It can also imply that something or someone is scarce, valuable, or hard to get.

In short:

• It means very popular, wanted, or needed by many people.
• It can also suggest scarcity, value, or difficulty of obtaining something or someone.

What Does "In Demand" Mean?

When something or someone is very sought-after, desired, or required by many people, we say that they are "in demand." This expression can also suggest that something or someone is rare, precious, or challenging to obtain.

Where Does "In Demand" Come From?

The idiom "in demand" has been used since the early 1800s to describe something or someone that is sought after by many people. It is derived from the noun "demand" and comes from the Old French word "demander," which means "to ask or request." The word "demander" itself comes from the Latin word "demandare", which means "to entrust."

Historical Example

One of the earliest examples of its use is from an 1812 letter by Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States. He wrote:

I have been so much engaged in writing letters to my friends in Europe & America that I have not had time to write to you. You are always in demand with me."

10 Examples of "In Demand" in Sentences

Here are some examples of how to use this idiom in sentences:

• Yaas. Nurses are always in demand in the healthcare sector.
• Gold is in demand as a safe investment option in times of uncertainty.
• Graphic designers are in demand for creating logos, flyers, and websites.
• Due to the pandemic, face masks and sanitizers are in demand worldwide.
• No diggity. The new iPhone 13 is so in demand that it sold out within hours of its launch.
• Holy cow. The concert tickets for the popular band were in demand and sold out quickly.
• Electric cars are in demand as of late for reducing carbon emissions and saving fuel costs.
• English teachers are in demand in many countries where English is not the native language.
• Just the facts, ma'am. Fresh fruits and vegetables are in demand by people who want to eat healthy.
• Real talk: Teachers who can teach online are in demand, as many schools have shifted to remote learning.

Examples of "In Demand" in Pop Culture

• "In Demand" is a song by Scottish band Texas, written by Dallas Austin, with band members Johnny McElhone and Sharleen Spiteri. The song is about a love that is unrequited or not fully reciprocated. The lyrics convey a sense of yearning and vulnerability, as the narrator expresses their desire for someone who may not feel the same way.
• In the TV show Friends (1994-2004), Rachel tells Monica, "You're so lucky you're not like me. You're so strong. You're so self-confident. You're so…in demand." This is a compliment to Monica's popularity and attractiveness.
• In the movie Men In Black (1997), Agent Jay tells Agent Kay: "You know what they say. It's better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all." Agent Kay replies: "Try it." This refers to the idiom "in demand," meaning that love is something that many people want or need.

Other Ways to Say "In Demand"

Here are some synonyms for this idiom:

• Hot
• Trendy
• Coveted
• Popular
• Sought-after

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "In Demand"

Here are some frequently asked questions about this idiom:

• What does "in demand" mean?

The idiom "in demand" describes something or someone trendy, wanted, or needed by many people. It can also imply that something or someone is scarce, valuable, or hard to get.

• What is the origin of the phrase "in demand"?

The idiom "in demand" has been used since the early 1800s to describe something or someone that is sought after by many people. It is derived from the noun "demand" and comes from the Old French word "demander," which means "to ask or request."

• What part of speech is "in demand"?

"In demand" is an adjective phrase that modifies a noun or a pronoun. It describes the state or condition of being very popular, wanted, or needed by many people.

• What is the opposite of "in demand"?
  

The opposite of "in demand" is "out of demand" or "not in demand." This means that something or someone is not popular, wanted, or needed by many people.

• Is "in demand" always positive?
  

No, "in demand" is not always positive. It can have negative connotations depending on the speaker or writer's context and tone. For example, if someone says they are in demand, they might sound arrogant or boastful. If someone says something or someone else is "in demand," they might sound envious or resentful.

• What are some synonyms for "in demand" in other languages?

Spanish: solicitado/a, requerido/a, deseado/a
French: recherché/e, demandé/e, convoité/e
German: gefragt, begehrt, beliebt

• Can "in demand" be used in a professional context?

Absolutely, "in demand" is frequently used in professional settings to describe skills, services, or professionals that are highly sought after by employers or clients.

• Can "in demand" refer to people as well as things?

Yes, "in demand" can refer to both people and things. For example, a talented musician can be "in demand" for concerts, and a product can be "in demand" in the market.

• Can "in demand" apply to a specific period or situation?

Yes, "in demand" can be context-specific. Something may be in demand during a particular season, trend, or event, but not necessarily at all times.

• Does the level of demand for something or someone change over time?

Yes, the level of demand for something or someone can change over time due to various factors, including trends, market conditions, and personal circumstances.

Final Thoughts About "In Demand"

"In demand" is an idiom that means very popular, wanted, or needed by many people. It can describe things, people, skills, services, etc., that have a lot of demand or interest from others. It can also imply a limited supply or availability of something or someone, which makes them more desirable or valuable.

Key points about the idiom:

• It is an adjective phrase that modifies a noun or a pronoun.
• It comes from the literal meaning of "demand," which is to ask for something urgently.
• It can be used with different modifiers, such as "high," "low," "great," etc.
• It can have positive or negative connotations depending on the context and the tone.
• It can express admiration, envy, frustration, jealousy, etc.
• It can be used in different situations and contexts, such as business, entertainment, education, etc.