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

While many Russian and Ukrainian drone makers use Chinese parts, this creates a supply chain dependency. —David Hambling, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025

The filing outlines potential risks, including the inability to complete a business combination, dependency on the trust account funds, and potential adverse effects from geopolitical events and market conditions. —Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 14 Mar. 2025

Victoria Ratliff, played by Parker Posey, is his seemingly oblivious wife with a lorazepam dependency, while their three adult children, Lochlan (Nivola), Piper (Hook) and Saxon (Patrick), grow suspicious of their father’s behavior. —Liza Esquibias, People.com, 13 Mar. 2025

Heavy reliance on federal assistance for social programs and disaster relief keeps it high on the dependency list. —Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for dependency

• ascendancy
• ascendency
• independency
• interdependency
• superintendency
• pendency
• tendency

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