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

Risks highlighted in the filing include dependency on the success of key drug candidates, potential delays in clinical trials, and reliance on third-party manufacturers. —Quartz Bot, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024

Guillory's switch to the GOP was driven by his conviction that Democrats have failed, particularly in the Black community, by fostering government dependency instead of empowerment. —Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024

This meant a focus on cutting dependencies with the U.S. and with China — something that EU leaders continue to target. —Silvia Amaro, CNBC, 30 Oct. 2024

The vote on the table relates to changes in California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard, a program designed to reduce the carbon intensity of fuels statewide, decrease petroleum dependency and achieve air quality gains. —Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 29 Oct. 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