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

2

: reliance, trust

3

: one that is relied on

4

a

: drug addiction

developed a dependence on painkillers

b

: habituation sense 2b

Synonyms of dependence

• dependency
• reliance

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

That has reduced the group’s historic dependence on the office market. — Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 9 Oct. 2026

One of the latest bets to reduce dependence on Barbie is Mattel’s first Wonder Indoor Waterpark, which is slated to open at the end of 2027 in Bellevue, Neb. — Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026

For staff represented by the CSUEU, major demands include salary raises and reducing dependence on temporary workers. — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2026

Nicotine also leads to dependence through activation of brain reward pathways. — Hasmeena Kathuria, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English dependaunce, borrowed from Anglo-French dependence, dependance, from dependant dependent entry 1 + -ence, -ance -ence, -ance

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing dependence

• linear dependence
• self-dependence

Rhymes for dependence

• ascendance
• attendance
• dependance
• transcendence
• interdependence
• superintendence
• tendance

Kids Definition

dependence

noun

de·​pend·​ence

di-ˈpen-dən(t)s

1

: the quality or state of being dependent

especially : the quality or state of being influenced by or subject to another

2

: reliance sense 2, trust

3

: something on which one relies

4

: a drug addiction

Medical 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

b

: habituation sense 2b