Crossword Genius

To be born, only to start dying, is poor (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

needy

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

'poor' is the definition.
(I know that needy is a type of poor)

'to be born only to start dying' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'be' could be 'need' (needing is a kind of being) and 'need' is found in the answer.
A single letter 'y' remains which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'is' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for needy that I've seen before include "lacking resources" , "Poor - destitute" , "Disadvantaged" , "Impoverished" , "Insecure; very poor" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app