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

At the time, the European Commission framed renewable energy as a way out of natural gas dependency. —Julia Simon, NPR, 16 Mar. 2026

The conflict is reshaping travel patterns, energy dependencies, living costs, trade routes and diplomatic alliances. —Jim Tankersley Christina Goldbaum Meaghan Tobin W.j. Hennigan, New York Times, 14 Mar. 2026

The vision is expected to begin with further strengthening downtown Hartford and lessening its dependency on office workers for vibrancy. —Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 13 Mar. 2026

In the United States, federal guidance now emphasizes the importance of inventorying cloud dependencies and reducing reliance on a single provider. —Doug Jacobson, The Conversation, 10 Mar. 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