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 agenda exposes the mutual dependence of the two rival superpowers, marked by distrust but driven by a quest for cooperation and stability.
—
Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
At the same time, tightening technology restrictions by the West have alarmed Beijing about how dependence on foreign inputs can cripple the nation.
—Yu Jie, Time, 13 May 2026
While more experienced doctors might have the ability to fall back on years of clinical expertise, some worry that reliance on such a medical tool might lead to dependence and misplaced confidence among medical students and junior doctors.
—Jared Perlo, NBC news, 13 May 2026
Limited refining capacity, dependence on imports, and infrastructure bottlenecks all contribute to higher volatility and higher costs for consumers.
—Sacbee.com, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for dependence
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Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
At the same time, tightening technology restrictions by the West have alarmed Beijing about how dependence on foreign inputs can cripple the nation.
—Yu Jie, Time, 13 May 2026
While more experienced doctors might have the ability to fall back on years of clinical expertise, some worry that reliance on such a medical tool might lead to dependence and misplaced confidence among medical students and junior doctors.
—Jared Perlo, NBC news, 13 May 2026
Limited refining capacity, dependence on imports, and infrastructure bottlenecks all contribute to higher volatility and higher costs for consumers.
—Sacbee.com, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for dependence
Cite this Entry
“Dependence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dependence. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
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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