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

In a world of volatility, interdependence, and unintended consequences, Humility is not a soft virtue. —Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026

Any institution that fails to understand Tijuana, Baja California, border commerce, bilingual labor markets, immigration realities, environmental interdependence and cross-border health issues is not worthy of the site. —Christos Korgan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2026

The relationship between American designers and Paris has evolved from outsider aspiration to creative interdependence. —Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 26 May 2026

The government as a primary definer of news also illustrates this interdependence. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for interdependence

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