The term 'had a longing' can be expressed in three different ways: YEARNED (7 letters), PINED (5 letters), and hunkered (8 letters). Yearning is an intense feeling of wanting something, usually something that is out of reach. Pining is similar to yearning, but it is more focused on a specific person or thing. Hankering is a strong desire for something, often with a sense of urgency. All three words describe a deep longing for something that cannot be easily obtained.