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

2

: reliance, trust

3

: one that is relied on

4

a

: drug addiction

developed a dependence on painkillers

b

: habituation sense 2b

Synonyms

• dependency
• reliance

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

Since then, Minsk’s dependence on Moscow has only deepened. —Christian Edwards, CNN, 26 Jan. 2025

The American First Trade Policy aims to limit the country’s international dependence by promoting investment and productivity within the U.S. borders. —Stuart Dyos, Fortune, 23 Jan. 2025

In response to the war in Ukraine, Europe has committed to reducing its dependence on Russian gas and has successfully decreased its intake to 10%. —Ken Silverstein, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025

The report accuses China of increasing dependence on the country due to diminished choices, thus elevating potential supply chain risks and reducing supply chain resilience. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 17 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing dependence

• linear dependence
• self-dependence

Kids Definition

dependence

noun

de·​pend·​ence

di-ˈpen-dən(t)s

1

: the quality or state of being dependent

especially : the quality or state of being influenced by or subject to another

2

: reliance sense 2, trust

3

: something on which one relies

4

: a drug addiction

Medical 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

b

: habituation sense 2b