dependency

noun

de·​pen·​den·​cy di-ˈpen-dən(t)-sē How to pronounce dependency (audio)
plural dependencies
Synonyms of dependencynext
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

Examples of dependency in a Sentence

the country's dependency on foreign oil a dependency on foreign oil
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Jackson believed durable partnerships would come through market access and investment, not dependency. Alexanderia Baker-Haidara, semafor.com, 27 Feb. 2026 Tilly’s placement came despite warnings from a DCFS dependency investigator, according to a March 5 email sent to Servin. Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 26 Feb. 2026 Admissions for nitrous oxide dependency more than doubled in the past year at Mountainside Treatment Center in Canaan, and drug rehabs in other states are reporting increases too. Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 26 Feb. 2026 Constant adaptation is a challenge in the optimization sector, addressed by integrating new models and maintaining an intuitive platform for both new and experienced users as the world shifts from AI curiosity to AI dependency in workflows. Gretchen Wittenmyer-Stone, Miami Herald, 25 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dependency

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dependency was in 1594

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dependency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dependency. Accessed 6 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

dependency

noun
de·​pend·​en·​cy
di-ˈpen-dən-sē
plural dependencies
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 How to pronounce dependency (audio)
plural dependencies

More from Merriam-Webster on dependency

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