dependency
noun
de·pen·den·cy
di-ˈpen-dən(t)-sē 
plural dependencies
2
: something that is dependent on something else
especially
: a territorial unit under the jurisdiction of a nation but not formally annexed by it
3
: a building (such as a stable) that is an adjunct to a main dwelling
Examples of dependency in a Sentence
the country's dependency on foreign oil
a dependency on foreign oil
Recent Examples on the Web
Among the allegations, the USTR determined that China uses state subsidies to lessen competition and create dependencies on the country for non-market entrants.
—
Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 14 Oct. 2025
Beijing’s latest rare-earth export controls are a reminder that over-reliance invites strategic pressure; the answer is to mine, refine, and manufacture with allies, not dependency.
—Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
Aware of its dependency on China, the US recently unveiled a $5 billion fund to secure access to rare earths elsewhere, though experts fear the move comes too late to close the gap, the South China Morning Post reported.
—Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 9 Oct. 2025
For most developers, that means lock-in and dependency, which became normal before today’s AI boom and is assumed.
—Asad Ramzanali, Time, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dependency
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 14 Oct. 2025
Beijing’s latest rare-earth export controls are a reminder that over-reliance invites strategic pressure; the answer is to mine, refine, and manufacture with allies, not dependency.
—Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
Aware of its dependency on China, the US recently unveiled a $5 billion fund to secure access to rare earths elsewhere, though experts fear the move comes too late to close the gap, the South China Morning Post reported.
—Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 9 Oct. 2025
For most developers, that means lock-in and dependency, which became normal before today’s AI boom and is assumed.
—Asad Ramzanali, Time, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dependency
Cite this Entry
“Dependency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dependency. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.
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