dependency
noun
de·pen·den·cy
di-ˈpen-dən(t)-sē 
plural dependencies
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 of dependency
Examples of dependency in a Sentence
the country's dependency on foreign oil
a dependency on foreign oil
Recent Examples on the Web
Before this hearing, a dependency investigator obtains medical records and interviews caregivers, babysitters, relatives, therapists, the kids themselves, and, ideally, the parents.
—
Ava Kofman, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
At the same time, stepping away from these online services for a short period could weaken consumers' dependency on them, which could lead to a sustained boycott.
—Juliana Kim, NPR, 7 Feb. 2026
Forcing states to become more cost-conscious also provides motivation for state officials to enforce rather than water down work requirements for the able-bodied, nudging them on a more productive path and away from government dependency.
—Editorial, Boston Herald, 7 Feb. 2026
One prominent example was the War on Poverty, which created welfare dependency and eroded families instead of defeating poverty.
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dependency
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Ava Kofman, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
At the same time, stepping away from these online services for a short period could weaken consumers' dependency on them, which could lead to a sustained boycott.
—Juliana Kim, NPR, 7 Feb. 2026
Forcing states to become more cost-conscious also provides motivation for state officials to enforce rather than water down work requirements for the able-bodied, nudging them on a more productive path and away from government dependency.
—Editorial, Boston Herald, 7 Feb. 2026
One prominent example was the War on Poverty, which created welfare dependency and eroded families instead of defeating poverty.
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dependency
Cite this Entry
“Dependency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dependency. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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