dependency

noun

de·​pen·​den·​cy di-ˈpen-dən(t)-sē How to pronounce dependency (audio)
plural dependencies
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 To manage them effectively, create a dependency map, prioritize critical path tasks, communicate, use project management tools and anticipate issues. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024 That dependency, Azadegan says, means people might experience shortages of certain electronics like cell phones. Solcyré Burga, TIME, 1 Oct. 2024 Beijing, meanwhile, has averted its gaze from Moscow’s belligerence in Africa while fostering new dependencies and saddling more countries with unsustainable debt. Antony J. Blinken, Foreign Affairs, 1 Oct. 2024 Social media dependency is a real problem, recent data shows. Renée Onque, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dependency 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dependency.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dependency was in 1594

Dictionary Entries Near dependency

Cite this Entry

“Dependency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dependency. Accessed 13 Oct. 2024.

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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