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
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.
Among the allegations, the USTR determined that China uses state subsidies to lessen competition and create dependencies on the country for non-market entrants. Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 14 Oct. 2025 Beijing’s latest rare-earth export controls are a reminder that over-reliance invites strategic pressure; the answer is to mine, refine, and manufacture with allies, not dependency. Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025 Aware of its dependency on China, the US recently unveiled a $5 billion fund to secure access to rare earths elsewhere, though experts fear the move comes too late to close the gap, the South China Morning Post reported. Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 9 Oct. 2025 For most developers, that means lock-in and dependency, which became normal before today’s AI boom and is assumed. Asad Ramzanali, Time, 6 Oct. 2025 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 17 Oct. 2025.

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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