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 of dependency

• dependence
• reliance

Examples of dependency in a Sentence

the country's dependency on foreign oil

a dependency on foreign oil

Recent Examples on the Web

In Yu’s view, persistent geopolitical tensions, ranging from trade rows to questions over supply-chain dependency, do affect the company’s plan, but their impact is expected to be short-term. —Xiaoying You, semafor.com, 24 Feb. 2026

The system tracks timing and dependencies without demanding constant attention. —Jason Phillips, USA Today, 20 Feb. 2026

What better way to demonstrate the intent of taking primary responsibility for your own security and cutting dependency on the United States than by building your own nuclear weapons or relying more on the French and British nuclear shield? —Daniel Depetris, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2026

Literacy restores economic agency, improves long-term earnings, and reduces recidivism, lowering dependency and vulnerability to criminal exploitation. —Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

depend(ent) entry 1 + -ency

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for dependency

• ascendancy
• ascendency
• independency
• interdependency
• superintendency
• pendency
• tendency

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