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

But initial attempts to send her to Tahiti, a French dependency, about 1,350 miles — or a 30-hour sea journey — from Pitcairn, were rejected by French Polynesian authorities. —Matthew Lee, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026

And the dependency runs deeper still, because every one of these companies sits atop a supplier base that is now staring at structural decline. —Sarwant Singh, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026

Additive manufacturing offers an alternative path that can reduce those dependencies. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 June 2026

Our systems are overly complex, spanning hundreds of dependencies, which hinders our ability to move fast. —Jennifer Maas, Variety, 10 June 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