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

2

: reliance, trust

3

: one that is relied on

4

a

: drug addiction

developed a dependence on painkillers

b

: habituation sense 2b

Synonyms of dependence

• dependency
• reliance

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

German leaders and the German public recognize that military dependence on the United States leaves their country vulnerable to Washington’s whims. —Moritz S. Graefrath, Foreign Affairs, 19 Nov. 2025

The case has also drawn attention to the immense pressures pilots face and the barriers that may prevent them from seeking help for mental health issues, alcohol dependence or substance abuse without jeopardizing their careers. —Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Nov. 2025

New Naxtra sodium-ion battery tackles lithium dependence The Chinese company is expanding its chemistry playbook with a strong push into sodium-ion technology, highlighted by the launch of the Naxtra battery earlier this year. —Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 16 Nov. 2025

Likewise, the pipelines became totemic of the dependence on cheap Russian hydrocarbons that critics felt Europe traded for a principled stance on Moscow’s aggression in Ukraine in 2014 and Georgia in 2008. —Joseph Ataman, CNN Money, 15 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English dependaunce, borrowed from Anglo-French dependence, dependance, from dependant dependent entry 1 + -ence, -ance -ence, -ance

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing dependence

• linear dependence
• self-dependence

Rhymes for dependence

• ascendance
• attendance
• dependance
• transcendence
• interdependence
• superintendence
• tendance

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

: reliance sense 2, trust

3

: something on which one relies

4

: a drug addiction

Medical 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

b

: habituation sense 2b