dependency

noun

de·​pen·​den·​cy di-ˈpen-dən(t)-sē How to pronounce dependency (audio)
plural dependencies
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

Examples of dependency in a Sentence

the country's dependency on foreign oil a dependency on foreign oil
Recent Examples on the Web The most effective way to fix Europe’s dependency problem is for the U.S. to stop treating the Europeans as helpless little children incapable of fending for themselves. Daniel R. Depetris, National Review, 29 Feb. 2024 During this discovery process, organizations should conduct a risk assessment, inventory IT assets, map dependencies, record current usage and understand security requirements to build an awareness of what is involved in cloud migration. Ryan Mallory, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024 Recent studies have hinted that the drug might slightly reduce opioid dependency rates, although this, too, is disputed. Jesse Greenspan, Scientific American, 20 Feb. 2024 The following March, Dacus’s Historian paired observations about emotional dependencies and looming crises of faith with ornate rock grooves. Vulture, 4 Feb. 2024 Companies are now compelled to reassess their dependency on vulnerable trade lanes and consider alternative routes and suppliers. Dennis Mitzner, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2024 This refers to their lack of savings or checking accounts and dependency on predatory payday lenders, and currency exchanges for their money services. Jasmine Browley, Essence, 5 Feb. 2024 Having played a morphine addict in my first play, and doing the research about that—the chemical dependency, the immediate relief—that was a clue to me. Michael Schulman, The New Yorker, 4 Feb. 2024 Steven grew up Mormon in Utah, discovered drinking as a teenager, solidified his habit at college in Florida, and then tried to hide his dependency while becoming a rising star a theater director until his binges derailed his career. Vulture, 2 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dependency.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dependency was in 1594

Dictionary Entries Near dependency

Cite this Entry

“Dependency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dependency. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

dependency

noun
de·​pend·​en·​cy
di-ˈpen-dən-sē
plural dependencies
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 How to pronounce dependency (audio)
plural dependencies

More from Merriam-Webster on dependency

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