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
As a result, even conservative sectors once eager to play Washington’s tune are now more inclined to support the Brazilian government’s strategy of diversifying economic partnerships and reducing dependence on the United States.
—
Hussein Kalout, Foreign Affairs, 2 Sep. 2025
In modern workplaces, the meaning of work continues to be shaped by collective effort, shared trust, and mutual dependence.
—Scott Hutcheson, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Still, Nvidia’s dependence on a handful of large customers — two of which made up a whopping 39% of its second-quarter revenue — has raised concerns about concentration risks.
—Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2025
But dependence and withdrawal symptoms are not all the public has to worry about with kratom.
—Kevin Sabet, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dependence
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Hussein Kalout, Foreign Affairs, 2 Sep. 2025
In modern workplaces, the meaning of work continues to be shaped by collective effort, shared trust, and mutual dependence.
—Scott Hutcheson, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Still, Nvidia’s dependence on a handful of large customers — two of which made up a whopping 39% of its second-quarter revenue — has raised concerns about concentration risks.
—Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2025
But dependence and withdrawal symptoms are not all the public has to worry about with kratom.
—Kevin Sabet, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 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 10 Sep. 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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