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

The termination of those rights is supposed to take place in Florida’s dependency courts, where judges must meet a much higher legal threshold in order to sever the relationship between parents and children. —Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 4 June 2026

According to him, high concentrations of 7-hydroxymitragynine bind with the body’s mu opioid receptors much more effectively than mitragynine, which can cause dependency. —Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 3 June 2026

Many organizations are investing in agentic AI capabilities while still relying on workflows built around manual oversight, layered approvals and process dependency. —Manish Goyal, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026

Pili’s method to produce high-performance colors reduces harmful chemicals and fossil fuel dependency while cutting CO₂ emissions by up to 50 percent compared to traditional indigo dyeing processes. —Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 1 June 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