Which term refers to something essential for survival?

The term that refers to something essential for survival is "Need." In a business context, needs are the fundamental requirements that individuals must fulfill to maintain basic functioning and well-being. For example, needs include access to food, water, shelter, and healthcare. These are critical for survival and must be addressed to sustain life and basic human dignity.

In contrast, the other terms—want, demand, and desire—represent conditions that do not necessarily pertain to survival. Wants refer to specific items or services that individuals wish to have but do not need for basic survival. Demand encompasses the desire for a particular good coupled with the purchasing power to acquire it, implying a more economic angle that is dependent on both need and want. Desire, while related to emotional and psychological aspirations, is not tied to the fundamental necessities for survival. Therefore, the distinction makes "Need" the most appropriate term for something essential for survival.