dependency

noun

de·​pen·​den·​cy di-ˈpen-dən(t)-sē 

plural dependencies

1

: dependence sense 1

2

: something that is dependent on something else

especially : a territorial unit under the jurisdiction of a nation but not formally annexed by it

3

: a building (such as a stable) that is an adjunct to a main dwelling

Synonyms

• dependence
• dependance
• reliance

Examples of dependency in a Sentence

the country's dependency on foreign oil

a dependency on foreign oil

Recent Examples on the Web

Additionally, the risk of provider dependency looms large. —Serge Beck, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024

The root of the anxiety surrounding Y2K, and perhaps its enduring resonance, is a recognition of precisely this dependency—which has only grown over time. —Zachary Loeb / Made By History, TIME, 18 Dec. 2024

Meanwhile, farmers are trapped in a cycle of dependency on subsidies, while consolidated food, seed, fertilizer, and pesticide corporations rake in record profits. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2024

His stances include supporting Romanian farmers, reducing dependency on imports and ramping up energy and food production. —Stephen McGrath The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 25 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

dependency

noun

de·​pend·​en·​cy

di-ˈpen-dən-sē

plural dependencies

1

: dependence sense 1

2

: a territory under the authority of a nation but not formally a part of it

Medical Definition

dependency

noun

de·​pen·​den·​cy -dən-sē 

plural dependencies

: dependence