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

By modeling complex biological structures and interactions, the AI helped uncover molecular dependencies that are difficult to detect through conventional laboratory methods. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 1 Jan. 2026

Overapplication may lead to dependency, hindering the natural moisture balance of your lips. —Maryal Miller Carter, USA Today, 27 Dec. 2025

Despite the tendency for users to report the positives, psychological risks also appear—especially emotional dependency, experts say. —Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 26 Dec. 2025

Family hierarchy and dependency are also factors that can influence who initiates, who leads and who follows, according to Densley. —Laura Sharman, CNN Money, 23 Dec. 2025

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