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
Tariffs from Trump's first term and former President Joe Biden's technological restrictions on Chinese companies have pushed the tech giant to diversify its dependence on Chinese manufacturing.
—
Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
But reliance on outside sources risks creating dependence on them when local forces must ultimately take ownership of the fight themselves.
—Ido Levy, The Conversation, 7 Apr. 2025
Some companies are exploring sustainable packaging solutions as a long-term strategy to reduce dependence on volatile international markets.
—Tribune Content Agency, Mercury News, 7 Apr. 2025
But dependence on smartphones can lead to an overload, says Larry Rosen, professor emeritus at California State University Dominguez Hills.
—Npr Staff, NPR, 5 Apr. 2025
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.
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Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
But reliance on outside sources risks creating dependence on them when local forces must ultimately take ownership of the fight themselves.
—Ido Levy, The Conversation, 7 Apr. 2025
Some companies are exploring sustainable packaging solutions as a long-term strategy to reduce dependence on volatile international markets.
—Tribune Content Agency, Mercury News, 7 Apr. 2025
But dependence on smartphones can lead to an overload, says Larry Rosen, professor emeritus at California State University Dominguez Hills.
—Npr Staff, NPR, 5 Apr. 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 14 Apr. 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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