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

• dependence
• dependance
• reliance

Examples of dependency in a Sentence

the country's dependency on foreign oil

a dependency on foreign oil

Recent Examples on the Web

The criteria for a critical missing include a person with a history of physical, mental or cognitive disability, drug dependency or other at-risk issue, among other factors. —Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 22 Apr. 2024

Specialization creates additional vulnerabilities in the form of dependencies and concentration risks, such as when a country relies on critical goods manufactured by a foreign country or by a small group of suppliers in a region that is subject to extreme weather events. —Anthea Roberts, Foreign Affairs, 24 Oct. 2023

The software update will remove dependency on the driver seat occupancy switch from the software and only rely on driver seat belt buckle and ignition status to activate the seat belt reminder signals. —Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 31 May 2024

Germany has among the highest old-age dependency ratios in Europe. —Byryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 30 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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