dependence
noun
de·pen·dence
di-ˈpen-dən(t)s 
variants
or less commonly dependance
1
: the quality or state of being dependent
especially
: the quality or state of being influenced or determined by or subject to another
3
: one that is relied on
4
a
: drug addiction
developed a dependence on painkillers
Examples of dependence in a Sentence
The company was hurt by its dependence on government loans.
Our dependence upon foreign oil makes our economy vulnerable.
a harmful dependence on foreign oil
Recent Examples on the Web
Akamai continues to focus on expanding its security and compute solutions and highlights its dependence on innovation and strategic acquisitions for growth.
—
Quartz Bot, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024
Diversifying its Sierra-centric water portfolio would reduce San Francisco’s dependence on Yosemite.
—Tom Philp, The Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2024
However, the retailer has high dependence on Chinese imports, high product elasticity and scores low on its ability to pass higher costs onto consumers.
—Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2024
Since its signing, the act has spurred major investments in chip manufacturing facilities across the U.S., with the goal of increasing American competitiveness in technology and reducing dependence on Asia, especially in the wake of ongoing U.S.-China tensions.
—Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 2 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for dependence 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Quartz Bot, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024
Diversifying its Sierra-centric water portfolio would reduce San Francisco’s dependence on Yosemite.
—Tom Philp, The Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2024
However, the retailer has high dependence on Chinese imports, high product elasticity and scores low on its ability to pass higher costs onto consumers.
—Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2024
Since its signing, the act has spurred major investments in chip manufacturing facilities across the U.S., with the goal of increasing American competitiveness in technology and reducing dependence on Asia, especially in the wake of ongoing U.S.-China tensions.
—Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 2 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for dependence
Dictionary Entries Near dependence
Cite this Entry
“Dependence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dependence. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
dependence
noun
de·pen·dence
di-ˈpen-dən(t)s
1
: the quality or state of being dependent upon or unduly subject to the influence of another
2
a
: drug addiction
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share