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
In a likely setback for efforts to phase out dependence on fossil fuels, the conflict has reinforced the need to rely on coal during times of energy crisis, the IEA said.
—
Anton L. Delgado, Fortune, 17 June 2026
In a likely setback for efforts to phase out dependence on fossil fuels, the conflict has reinforced the need to rely on coal during times of energy crisis, the IEA said.
—ABC News, 16 June 2026
Reducing America’s dependence on foreign sources for critical medical products is not only a public health priority but also a national security imperative.
—W. Craig Vanderwagen, STAT, 16 June 2026
Critics argue that supply constraints and import dependence limit its long-term potential.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 15 June 2026
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.
Anton L. Delgado, Fortune, 17 June 2026
In a likely setback for efforts to phase out dependence on fossil fuels, the conflict has reinforced the need to rely on coal during times of energy crisis, the IEA said.
—ABC News, 16 June 2026
Reducing America’s dependence on foreign sources for critical medical products is not only a public health priority but also a national security imperative.
—W. Craig Vanderwagen, STAT, 16 June 2026
Critics argue that supply constraints and import dependence limit its long-term potential.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 15 June 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 18 Jun. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
