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

• dependence
• dependance
• reliance

Examples of dependency in a Sentence

the country's dependency on foreign oil

a dependency on foreign oil

Recent Examples on the Web

Only 5% of companies assess their environmental impacts, fewer than 1% understand their dependencies on nature. —Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025

Simultaneously, the labor market is quickly transitioning off its dependency on government and back to the productive private sector. —E.j. Antoni, Boston Herald, 13 July 2025

Studies seem to show clearer correlations with dependency and even loneliness, something even OpenAI has pointed to. —Parmy Olson, Mercury News, 12 July 2025

This dependency is viewed in Washington as an Achilles' heel. —Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025

Word History

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