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
Maintaining positive ties with South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung would continue the lattice-like foreign policy encouraged by Washington, one that favors multilateral cooperation among like-minded nations over bilateral dependence.
—
Hanako Montgomery, CNN Money, 27 Oct. 2025
Recently, Carbon Robotics launched its autonomous weeder, which uses AI, robotics, and laser technology to navigate fields, precisely identify, and eliminate weeds, enhancing efficiency and reducing chemical dependence.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2025
Oil dependence and fossil fuel use Some environmental advocates worry that pipelines like Western Gateway won’t just fuel cars and trucks, but also a changing climate.
—Sarah Henry, AZCentral.com, 25 Oct. 2025
Let’s hope Tilly Norwood has signed with an agent, because Paul Schrader appears to have just the project for Hollywood’s growing dependence on AI.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dependence
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Hanako Montgomery, CNN Money, 27 Oct. 2025
Recently, Carbon Robotics launched its autonomous weeder, which uses AI, robotics, and laser technology to navigate fields, precisely identify, and eliminate weeds, enhancing efficiency and reducing chemical dependence.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2025
Oil dependence and fossil fuel use Some environmental advocates worry that pipelines like Western Gateway won’t just fuel cars and trucks, but also a changing climate.
—Sarah Henry, AZCentral.com, 25 Oct. 2025
Let’s hope Tilly Norwood has signed with an agent, because Paul Schrader appears to have just the project for Hollywood’s growing dependence on AI.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dependence
Cite this Entry
“Dependence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dependence. Accessed 29 Oct. 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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