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

Having always prioritized his work in the art world as a gallery owner, Andy still mixes up his kids’ names and doesn’t have a clue about his wife’s drug dependency, when everyone else in his circle seems way ahead of him in sensing that something was up with her habitual pill-popping. —Tomris Laffly, Variety, 18 Oct. 2024

Retailers will need to optimize inventory management and explore multi-modal logistics solutions to reduce dependency on any one transportation method. —Vicki M. Young, Sourcing Journal, 17 Oct. 2024

Many businesses are now diversifying their supplier base, moving away from a single-source or single-region dependency to a multi-source approach. —Dave Evans, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024

Hala was candid about her dependencies, sometimes openly swigging from a liquor bottle. —Heidi Blake, The New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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