interdependence

noun

in·​ter·​de·​pen·​dence ˌin-tər-di-ˈpen-dən(t)s 

variants or interdependency

ˌin-tər-di-ˈpen-dən(t)-sē 

plural interdependences or interdependencies

1

: the state of being dependent upon one another : mutual dependence

interdependence of the two nations' economies

… a form of symbiosis, of close mutual interdependence of two species of organisms.

—Marston Bates

… the deep psychological interdependence between ourselves and those we love.

—Judith A. Savage

… understood the interdependence of mental, physical, and spiritual health.

—Donald N. Levine

But plants happen to grow in these little universes we call ecosystems, where they are sustained by complex webs of interdependency with fungi, microbes, animals, and other plants.

—Kenneth Brower

2

: a mutually dependent relationship

Growing global interdependencies further muddy the debate, making it harder to know who "we" are and what "our" national interests really are.

—Peter H. Schuck

There are complex interdependences among these factors …

—Victor H. Benenberg

Examples of interdependence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The infrastructure of economic interdependence was turned against both the United States’ enemies and its friends. —Henry Farrell, Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2025

Research in cognitive behavioral therapy recognizes the interdependence of these systems when seeking to change behavior, whereas leadership development typically neglects one or more, particularly physiology. —Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025

The era of lower trade barriers and greater economic interdependence is waning, and President Donald Trump’s aggressive trade war is further stoking that trend. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 5 July 2025

Northeast leaders cited the countries’ interdependence, noting examples like 80% of Maine’s heating fuel and 50% of Vermont’s energy comes from Canada. —Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 17 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for interdependence

• superintendence
• ascendance
• attendance
• dependance
• dependence
• transcendence
• tendance