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

Critics allege that co-dependency has fueled anticompetitive behavior, taking particular issue with high service fees and restrictive venue agreements. —Allie Canal, NBC news, 9 Mar. 2026

In effect, the system nudges seniors toward dependency rather than prevention. —Saul Anuzis, Boston Herald, 6 Mar. 2026

According to court filings cited by CBS News, his family claims Gemini encouraged delusional thinking, escalated emotional dependency, and ultimately pushed him toward suicide. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 5 Mar. 2026

Currently, all concentrate from Mountain Pass is shipped to China for separation, perpetuating our dependency. —Markos Kounalakis, Mercury News, 5 Mar. 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