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 implementation of data analytics allows investors to make more informed decisions, reduce dependence on the human factor and increase the objectivity of their assessments.
—
Dmitrii Khasanov, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Their goal is to reduce dependence on foreign technology and take the lead in areas such as climate modeling and personalized medicine.
—Jack Dongarra, The Conversation, 14 May 2025
Andrew Harrer | Bloomberg | Getty Images A small coal miner headquartered in Kentucky could play an important role in helping the U.S. break its dependence on China for rare earth elements that are crucial for national defense.
—Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 13 May 2025
Still others want to lessen America’s dependence on trade, taking a more isolationist stance.
—Laurent Belsie, Christian Science Monitor, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for dependence
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Dmitrii Khasanov, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Their goal is to reduce dependence on foreign technology and take the lead in areas such as climate modeling and personalized medicine.
—Jack Dongarra, The Conversation, 14 May 2025
Andrew Harrer | Bloomberg | Getty Images A small coal miner headquartered in Kentucky could play an important role in helping the U.S. break its dependence on China for rare earth elements that are crucial for national defense.
—Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 13 May 2025
Still others want to lessen America’s dependence on trade, taking a more isolationist stance.
—Laurent Belsie, Christian Science Monitor, 12 May 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 20 May. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share