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 1896, the Impressionist painter William Merritt Chase was ready to declare independence from the rigid hierarchies of the New York art scene and its dependence on European masters and methods.
—
Anne Halsey, JSTOR Daily, 6 Aug. 2025
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, Schedule IV medications, substances or chemicals are defined as drugs with a low potential for abuse and low risk of dependence.
—Katie Nixon, Nashville Tennessean, 6 Aug. 2025
It is also expected to lessen the nation's dependence on foreign countries to develop the key component in nearly every modern U.S. weapons system.
—John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
This reduces our dependence on destructive mining operations, lowers emissions, and makes battery manufacturing more resilient to global supply shocks.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for dependence
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Anne Halsey, JSTOR Daily, 6 Aug. 2025
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, Schedule IV medications, substances or chemicals are defined as drugs with a low potential for abuse and low risk of dependence.
—Katie Nixon, Nashville Tennessean, 6 Aug. 2025
It is also expected to lessen the nation's dependence on foreign countries to develop the key component in nearly every modern U.S. weapons system.
—John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
This reduces our dependence on destructive mining operations, lowers emissions, and makes battery manufacturing more resilient to global supply shocks.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 30 July 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 21 Aug. 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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