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

2

: reliance, trust

3

: one that is relied on

4

a

: drug addiction

developed a dependence on painkillers

b

: habituation sense 2b

Synonyms of dependence

• dependency
• reliance

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

Many are in critical mineral companies as the White House plots a strategy to directly back mining companies to build a domestic supply chain and reduce dependence on China. —Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 7 Feb. 2026

California teens living closer to cannabis retailers have higher rates of use and dependence, studies have found, while national data show daily use among young adults has quadrupled, with one in 10 using daily. —Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 6 Feb. 2026

Trump administration announces plans for critical minerals stockpile The US government is developing a $12 billion critical minerals stockpile in its quest to bolster its domestic supply chain and reduce dependence on China. —Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 4 Feb. 2026

The recycled soils will be reused for local construction, which can reduce landfill waste, truck traffic and dependence on rural quarries. —Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English dependaunce, borrowed from Anglo-French dependence, dependance, from dependant dependent entry 1 + -ence, -ance -ence, -ance

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing dependence

• linear dependence
• self-dependence

Rhymes for dependence

• ascendance
• attendance
• dependance
• transcendence
• interdependence
• superintendence
• tendance

Kids Definition

dependence

noun

de·​pend·​ence

di-ˈpen-dən(t)s

1

: the quality or state of being dependent

especially : the quality or state of being influenced by or subject to another

2

: reliance sense 2, trust

3

: something on which one relies

4

: a drug addiction

Medical 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

b

: habituation sense 2b