dependency

noun

de·​pen·​den·​cy di-ˈpen-dən(t)-sē 

plural dependencies

1

: dependence sense 1

2

: something that is dependent on something else

especially : a territorial unit under the jurisdiction of a nation but not formally annexed by it

3

: a building (such as a stable) that is an adjunct to a main dwelling

Synonyms

• dependence
• dependance
• reliance

Examples of dependency in a Sentence

the country's dependency on foreign oil

a dependency on foreign oil

Recent Examples on the Web

But the deeper transformation of supply chains that policymakers envisioned — rebuilding domestic manufacturing capacity and reducing dependencies on China — remains largely unrealized. —Jackie Snow, Quartz, 8 Feb. 2025

In interviews, several recognized the need to streamline its bureaucracy, and even questioned an aid system that relies so heavily on American contractors and fosters a damaging culture of dependency among African governments. —Declan Walsh, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2025

The result risks creating a Western energy dependency on China where none existed before. —The Editors, National Review, 27 Jan. 2025

This matrix of interdependent variables and cascading dependencies can catch even the most agile organization flat-footed, especially as legacy solutions fail to keep pace. —Alan Baratz, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

dependency

noun

de·​pend·​en·​cy

di-ˈpen-dən-sē

plural dependencies

1

: dependence sense 1

2

: a territory under the authority of a nation but not formally a part of it

Medical Definition

dependency

noun

de·​pen·​den·​cy -dən-sē 

plural dependencies

: dependence