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
In 1930, the Plaza hosted its first lighting ceremony and has continued to do so every year since on Thanksgiving Day in Kansas City, except 1973 when President Richard Nixon asked for the discontinuation of lights that year to reduce the country’s dependence on foreign oil.
—
Kansas City Star, 25 Nov. 2025
At its core, however, the company’s mission remains focused on reducing dependence on overseas manufacturing and expanding production capacity within the United States.
—Nia Bowers, USA Today, 24 Nov. 2025
Japan’s high-tech industries—including electronic vehicles, electronics, and defence—rely on Chinese rare earths, even as the country has managed to reduce that dependence from 90% in 2010 to around 60%.
—Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 24 Nov. 2025
The concept has gained traction in recent years, as global governments slowly shift away from fossil fuel dependence.
—Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 21 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dependence
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Kansas City Star, 25 Nov. 2025
At its core, however, the company’s mission remains focused on reducing dependence on overseas manufacturing and expanding production capacity within the United States.
—Nia Bowers, USA Today, 24 Nov. 2025
Japan’s high-tech industries—including electronic vehicles, electronics, and defence—rely on Chinese rare earths, even as the country has managed to reduce that dependence from 90% in 2010 to around 60%.
—Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 24 Nov. 2025
The concept has gained traction in recent years, as global governments slowly shift away from fossil fuel dependence.
—Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 21 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dependence
Cite this Entry
“Dependence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dependence. Accessed 30 Nov. 2025.
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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