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
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
However, after society grows an unhealthy dependence on the pills, Dr. Skinner vanishes.
—
Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 20 June 2025
As a result, Japan’s overall dependence on Chinese rare earths has dropped to below 60% from more than 90% at the time of the incident, according to data provided by Argus Media.
—Sam Meredith,dylan Butts, CNBC, 20 June 2025
President Trump understands the seriousness of the threat that China poses to the U.S. and understands, too, how America’s unhealthy dependence on China across wide swaths of the economy compounds that threat.
—The Editors, National Review, 12 June 2025
The goal should be to create scaffolding that supports independent exploration rather than dependence on technological assistance.
—Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for dependence
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.
Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 20 June 2025
As a result, Japan’s overall dependence on Chinese rare earths has dropped to below 60% from more than 90% at the time of the incident, according to data provided by Argus Media.
—Sam Meredith,dylan Butts, CNBC, 20 June 2025
President Trump understands the seriousness of the threat that China poses to the U.S. and understands, too, how America’s unhealthy dependence on China across wide swaths of the economy compounds that threat.
—The Editors, National Review, 12 June 2025
The goal should be to create scaffolding that supports independent exploration rather than dependence on technological assistance.
—Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for dependence
Cite this Entry
“Dependence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dependence. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share