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

If scaled successfully, rare earth recycling could strengthen supply chain security and lessen dependence on foreign sources, all while transforming how critical materials are sourced in the modern economy. —Brit McCandless Farmer, CBS News, 22 Mar. 2026

Meanwhile, the heavy dependence on Chinese equipment is drawing attention to limited local manufacturing capacity. —ABC News, 21 Mar. 2026

Petro, a former rebel leader, soared into office promising to reduce the country’s dependence on fossil fuels and reallocate state resources to addressing entrenched poverty. —Jim Mustian, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2026

Trump pointed to Japan's and other Asian economies' dependence on fuel from the Middle East as reason for them to get involved in protecting the strait, the BBC reports, but Takaichi and others have not been convinced by that argument. —Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 19 Mar. 2026

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