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
The primary reason for such a move, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said, was the president’s desire to reduce US dependence on Taiwan for chip production.
—
Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2025
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has heightened Europe’s short-term dependence on the United States, even as European countries struggle to bolster their defensive capacities.
—Henry Farrell, Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2025
However, this follows another round of investors’ complaints about the extreme top-heaviness of the market and its dependence on the AI trade.
—Michael Santoli, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2025
These capabilities help reduce Earth dependence, enabling longer and more autonomous missions.
—Shelli Brunswick, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dependence
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2025
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has heightened Europe’s short-term dependence on the United States, even as European countries struggle to bolster their defensive capacities.
—Henry Farrell, Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2025
However, this follows another round of investors’ complaints about the extreme top-heaviness of the market and its dependence on the AI trade.
—Michael Santoli, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2025
These capabilities help reduce Earth dependence, enabling longer and more autonomous missions.
—Shelli Brunswick, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 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 25 Aug. 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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