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

Government spending has fueled a construction spree in recent years, as Saudi vies to shift its economy away from a dependency on fossil fuels. —Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 3 Dec. 2025

Brussels Reuters — The European Union agreed Wednesday to phase out Russian natural gas imports by late 2027 as part of an effort to end the bloc’s decade-long dependency on Russian energy. —Reuters 13 Hr Ago, CNN Money, 3 Dec. 2025

The program is a response to rising tensions with Russia and Europe's acknowledgement of its dependencies on American space defense assets. —Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 2 Dec. 2025

Use them to reframe situations, revisit dependencies, and build shared ownership. —Louisa Loran, Fortune, 29 Nov. 2025

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