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

Why This Market Evolution Matters In practical terms, biomanufacturing can reduce dependency on volatile crop yields, seasonal constraints and the capital expenditures associated with large cultivation footprints. —Thomas Andersen, Rolling Stone, 14 May 2026

Each side has taken steps to lessen dependencies on the other. —Youyou Zhou, Washington Post, 14 May 2026

Preventing this crisis will require the United States to not just onshore previous-generation dependencies, but lead in production of the next generation of battery technology. —Gene Berdichevsky, Fortune, 14 May 2026

While the speaker’s comments might have been perceived as tone-deaf to a group of students entering an uncertain job market, the reaction itself reveals a deeper, more complex tension between our fear of the future and our current dependencies. —Jj Jasser, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 May 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