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
Carbon turns building block Rahbar says the global dependence on concrete urgently needs rethinking.
—
Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 5 Dec. 2025
From the Saudi perspective, the entertainment industry spending is a way to reduce the country’s economic dependence on oil and to improve their image globally, which is all part of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s modernization plan for the kingdom called Vision 2030.
—Rebecca Keegan, NBC news, 4 Dec. 2025
They can also be located close to places that need their energy, reducing dependence on the electricity grid.
—Leonel Lagos, The Conversation, 3 Dec. 2025
Local rehab centers have also reported a rise in patients struggling with 7-OH dependence, according to a three-part series published by The Star in September.
—David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 3 Dec. 2025
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.
Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 5 Dec. 2025
From the Saudi perspective, the entertainment industry spending is a way to reduce the country’s economic dependence on oil and to improve their image globally, which is all part of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s modernization plan for the kingdom called Vision 2030.
—Rebecca Keegan, NBC news, 4 Dec. 2025
They can also be located close to places that need their energy, reducing dependence on the electricity grid.
—Leonel Lagos, The Conversation, 3 Dec. 2025
Local rehab centers have also reported a rise in patients struggling with 7-OH dependence, according to a three-part series published by The Star in September.
—David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 3 Dec. 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 15 Dec. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share