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

Companies that describe their services as sovereign without being clear about those dependencies risk accusations of sovereignty-washing. — Margot Edelman, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026

The goal is to reduce dependency on Europe, where 80 percent of US military dogs are currently sourced, and improve the success rate of training the animals for specialist work. — Jess Weatherbed, The Verge, 23 Oct. 2026

Fashion’s nature risks and dependencies are wide-reaching, from cotton harvests ravaged by drought and leather supply chains riddled with deforestation, to manufacturing hubs struggling with water scarcity and retail networks affected by flooding. — Bella Webb, Vogue, 22 Oct. 2026

The story also touches on the complex relationships between men, namely the dynamics of dominance, dependency, and betrayal. — Maria Papadouris, JSTOR Daily, 20 Oct. 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