Denis seen to be wanting (9)

I believe the answer is:

neediness

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'denis seen to be wanting' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'denis seen to be' is the wordplay.
'to be' indicates an anagram.
'denis'+'seen'='denisseen'
'denisseen' is an anagram of 'NEEDINESS'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for neediness that I've seen before include "Destitution" , "Insecurity" , "Poverty" , "Wanting state" , "Want" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app