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
For a generation that grew up in an entirely digital world, dependence on technology is a familiar habit that some are trying to break.
—
Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2026
South Africa still generates three-quarters of its energy from coal, but is trying to reduce its dependence on the fuel in a move toward net zero by 2050.
—Semafor Staff, semafor.com, 20 Feb. 2026
Clean energy offers a path away from US dependence and toward energy security, experts told CNN.
—Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 19 Feb. 2026
In Downtown, people are now living in greater fear—poverty and desperation, as well as substance dependence and worsening mental health, have driven up interpersonal conflict in the neighborhood and depressed home values, leaving more properties and lots vacant or derelict.
—Emily Galvin Almanza, Literary Hub, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dependence
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Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2026
South Africa still generates three-quarters of its energy from coal, but is trying to reduce its dependence on the fuel in a move toward net zero by 2050.
—Semafor Staff, semafor.com, 20 Feb. 2026
Clean energy offers a path away from US dependence and toward energy security, experts told CNN.
—Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 19 Feb. 2026
In Downtown, people are now living in greater fear—poverty and desperation, as well as substance dependence and worsening mental health, have driven up interpersonal conflict in the neighborhood and depressed home values, leaving more properties and lots vacant or derelict.
—Emily Galvin Almanza, Literary Hub, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dependence
Cite this Entry
“Dependence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dependence. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.
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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