dependence
noun
de·pen·dence
di-ˈpen-dən(t)s 
variants
or less commonly dependance
1
: the quality or state of being dependent
especially
: the quality or state of being influenced or determined by or subject to another
3
: one that is relied on
4
a
: drug addiction
developed a dependence on painkillers
Examples of dependence in a Sentence
The company was hurt by its dependence on government loans.
Our dependence upon foreign oil makes our economy vulnerable.
a harmful dependence on foreign oil
Recent Examples on the Web
More battery options could help energy companies reduce their dependence on a single material.
—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
2 July 2026
More recurring revenue can help Plex extract greater value from its customers over their lifetimes, make cash flow more predictable, please investors, help fund new features, and reduce Plex’s dependence on the fickle advertising market.
—
Scharon Harding,
ArsTechnica,
2 July 2026
Yet alcohol contributes to millions of deaths globally each year and is linked to cancer, liver disease, unintentional accidents, violence and, importantly, dependence and addiction.
—
Emma Fenske,
The Conversation,
2 July 2026
Their major demands for the next contract include salary raises, reducing dependence on temporary workers and ensuring job security.
—
Tarini Mehta,
Sacbee.com,
1 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for dependence
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
2 July 2026
More recurring revenue can help Plex extract greater value from its customers over their lifetimes, make cash flow more predictable, please investors, help fund new features, and reduce Plex’s dependence on the fickle advertising market.
—
Scharon Harding,
ArsTechnica,
2 July 2026
Yet alcohol contributes to millions of deaths globally each year and is linked to cancer, liver disease, unintentional accidents, violence and, importantly, dependence and addiction.
—
Emma Fenske,
The Conversation,
2 July 2026
Their major demands for the next contract include salary raises, reducing dependence on temporary workers and ensuring job security.
—
Tarini Mehta,
Sacbee.com,
1 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for dependence
Cite this Entry
“Dependence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dependence. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
dependence
noun
de·pen·dence
di-ˈpen-dən(t)s
1
: the quality or state of being dependent upon or unduly subject to the influence of another
2
a
: drug addiction
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