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