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.
Any book that centers love, friendship, dependence, entwinement, with humor, grace, sadness, pathos, that has such immense warmth and care at the core, is the best kind of book to me. Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2025 With China’s tight grip on rare earths, Wang said the US dependence on China would continue, at least in the short term. John Liu, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2025 What To Know Washington has taken a number of moves in recent years aimed at eventually reducing its dependence on Chinese minerals. Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025 But those better lives might once again involve financial dependence on a man despite the catastrophic effects of previous romantic relationships. JSTOR Daily, 13 Oct. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dependence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dependence. Accessed 20 Oct. 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

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