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 of dependency

• dependence
• reliance

Examples of dependency in a Sentence

the country's dependency on foreign oil

a dependency on foreign oil

Recent Examples on the Web

Start fast, end slow The dependency on McMillan by Carolina’s offense has led to an interesting variance in his production throughout games. —Charlotte Observer, 12 Nov. 2025

Many outside investigations followed, with most researchers now believing that that Presley's dependency on prescription drugs contributed significantly to his death. —John Beifuss, USA Today, 10 Nov. 2025

Nearly a decade ago, McDaniel was diagnosed with depression and developed a psychological dependency on alcohol, it has been widely reported. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025

Take the legendary hedge fund manager Ray Dalio, who told my colleague Diane Brady onstage that America is developing a dependency on a tiny cohort of high-level workers, specifically those in tech. —Kristin Stoller, Fortune, 3 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

depend(ent) entry 1 + -ency

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