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

The United States must also provide countries with attractive alternatives to economic dependence on Beijing. — Bill Cassidy, Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2026

Far more often, waste happens through the duplication of overhead services, misuse of subject matter experts, dependence on slow decision-making frameworks, and other procedural flaws. — Ryan Dewey Smith, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Better knowledge of where spacecraft and debris are located could help with space-traffic monitoring and collision avoidance, while autonomous position determination could reduce dependence on ground infrastructure. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 17 Aug. 2026

Across the pond, United Launch Alliance sought to end its dependence on Russian engines for the Atlas V rocket by migrating to the new Vulcan rocket. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 17 Aug. 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