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
With that prospect in mind, Mexican businesses well beyond the auto industry are seeking to limit their dependence on components from China while lining up North American substitutes.
—
Peter S. Goodman, New York Times, 28 Dec. 2024
New research has found that an existing ADHD medication greatly reduced the number of days people with a methamphetamine dependence used the drug.
—New Atlas, 27 Dec. 2024
There was increasing anxiety about the dependence of the production process on this one single mineral source in a remote, isolated location.
—Saleem H. Ali, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
The company is subject to risks common in the biopharmaceutical industry, including regulatory compliance, dependence on key personnel, and competition from other products.
—Quartz Bot, Quartz, 23 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for dependence 
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Peter S. Goodman, New York Times, 28 Dec. 2024
New research has found that an existing ADHD medication greatly reduced the number of days people with a methamphetamine dependence used the drug.
—New Atlas, 27 Dec. 2024
There was increasing anxiety about the dependence of the production process on this one single mineral source in a remote, isolated location.
—Saleem H. Ali, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
The company is subject to risks common in the biopharmaceutical industry, including regulatory compliance, dependence on key personnel, and competition from other products.
—Quartz Bot, Quartz, 23 Dec. 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 6 Jan. 2025.
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
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