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
The city can also invest in less-expensive transit options that would dramatically increase the reliability of commutes to school, like additional bus routes scheduled around school hours to reduce students’ dependence on transfers.
—
Baltimore Sun Editorial Board, Baltimore Sun, 11 July 2024
Many components can be sourced in a destination country without too much difficulty, but there are specialized items that require knowledge, rare resources, and large capital investments (such as semiconductors) that will require continued dependence on Mainland suppliers.
—Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 2 July 2024
The opioid and alcohol dependence treatment Vivitrol only made $400 million in sales last year.
—Bruce Gil, Quartz, 20 June 2024
Many of these reforms were part of Saudi Vision 2030, a government program introduced in 2016 by Mohammed bin Salman, then the deputy crown prince, to decrease the kingdom’s dependence on oil and build a more diverse and resilient economy.
—Jennifer Peck, Foreign Affairs, 19 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for dependence 
Baltimore Sun Editorial Board, Baltimore Sun, 11 July 2024
Many components can be sourced in a destination country without too much difficulty, but there are specialized items that require knowledge, rare resources, and large capital investments (such as semiconductors) that will require continued dependence on Mainland suppliers.
—Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 2 July 2024
The opioid and alcohol dependence treatment Vivitrol only made $400 million in sales last year.
—Bruce Gil, Quartz, 20 June 2024
Many of these reforms were part of Saudi Vision 2030, a government program introduced in 2016 by Mohammed bin Salman, then the deputy crown prince, to decrease the kingdom’s dependence on oil and build a more diverse and resilient economy.
—Jennifer Peck, Foreign Affairs, 19 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for dependence
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dependence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near dependence
Cite this Entry
“Dependence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dependence. Accessed 26 Jul. 2024.
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
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