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

Organizations that can't replace models, providers or workflows without major disruption have merely converted risk into dependency. — Signe Jancis, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Their project infrastructure and financing are designed around lifecycles as long as 20–30 years, and their operational ecosystem includes dependencies on supply chains for parts covered under warranty. — Amit Chaturvedy, Fortune, 8 July 2026

The company is exploring strategies that emphasize domestic manufacturing and supply chain resilience, reflecting a growing focus on reducing dependency on complex global cold-chain networks. — Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 6 July 2026

This pattern of using drugs or alcohol to escape distress is a classic pathway to dependency. — Sherri Gordon, Parents, 5 July 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