dependence

noun

de·​pen·​dence di-ˈpen-dən(t)s How to pronounce dependence (audio)
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
3
: one that is relied on
4
a
: drug addiction
developed a dependence on painkillers

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But negative freedom without positive freedom quickly curdles into dependence. Henrietta Moore, Fortune, 16 Sep. 2025 Parents must carefully examine how their behaviors may reinforce dependence. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025 Using Benadryl over time can lead to dependence and cognitive problems. Sara Hoffman, Verywell Health, 12 Sep. 2025 Microsoft has also been working on developing its own AI models to reduce its dependence on OpenAI’s technologies. Reuters, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dependence

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dependence was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Dependence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dependence. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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
3
: something on which one relies
4
: a drug addiction

Medical Definition

dependence

noun
de·​pen·​dence di-ˈpen-dən(t)s How to pronounce dependence (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being dependent upon or unduly subject to the influence of another
2
a
: drug addiction

More from Merriam-Webster on dependence

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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