dependency

noun

de·​pen·​den·​cy di-ˈpen-dən(t)-sē 

plural dependencies

1

: dependence sense 1

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

Synonyms of dependency

• dependence
• reliance

Examples of dependency in a Sentence

the country's dependency on foreign oil

a dependency on foreign oil

Recent Examples on the Web

Nearly two hours is a bit long for what is essentially a two-hander, but everyone concerned is on the same page — which means the film makes the very bold decision to follow this dark story of co-dependency to its natural conclusion. — Damon Wise, Deadline, 11 Sep. 2026

Organizations should test protected or immutable backups, recovery sequencing, credentials, dependencies and recovery time objectives. — Scott Alldridge, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2026

There are now 17 African countries and two dependencies that have French as their official language or as one of multiple official languages. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 Sep. 2026

Drinking excessive amounts of caffeine—whether from tea or other beverages—can also lead to a dependency, Davis added. — Lauren Manaker Ms, HEALTH, 8 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

depend(ent) entry 1 + -ency

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for dependency

• ascendancy
• ascendency
• independency
• interdependency
• superintendency
• pendency
• tendency

Kids Definition

dependency

noun

de·​pend·​en·​cy

di-ˈpen-dən-sē

plural dependencies

1

: dependence sense 1

2

: a territory under the authority of a nation but not formally a part of it

Medical Definition

dependency

noun

de·​pen·​den·​cy -dən-sē 

plural dependencies

: dependence