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

Digital transformation, the accelerated adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and the dependence on third parties have expanded the reach and consequences of these risks. — Susana Sierra, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2026

Ford said Thursday that Trump unintentionally strengthened Canada by forcing it to reduce its dependence on the United States. — Rob Gillies, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026

The microreactor will be owned and operated by a private company, supplying reliable power to the Navy base and reducing dependence on the commercial electric grid. — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2026

There are fragile, unexpected forms of connection and togetherness that can emerge through uncertainty, dependence, abandonment, and chance encounters. — Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 8 Sep. 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