interdependence

noun

in·​ter·​de·​pen·​dence ˌin-tər-di-ˈpen-dən(t)s 

variants or interdependency

ˌin-tər-di-ˈpen-dən(t)-sē 

plural interdependences or interdependencies

1

: the state of being dependent upon one another : mutual dependence

interdependence of the two nations' economies

… a form of symbiosis, of close mutual interdependence of two species of organisms.

—Marston Bates

… the deep psychological interdependence between ourselves and those we love.

—Judith A. Savage

… understood the interdependence of mental, physical, and spiritual health.

—Donald N. Levine

But plants happen to grow in these little universes we call ecosystems, where they are sustained by complex webs of interdependency with fungi, microbes, animals, and other plants.

—Kenneth Brower

2

: a mutually dependent relationship

Growing global interdependencies further muddy the debate, making it harder to know who "we" are and what "our" national interests really are.

—Peter H. Schuck

There are complex interdependences among these factors …

—Victor H. Benenberg

Examples of interdependence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Instead, the United States should invest quietly in its military readiness and capabilities, speak carefully, and maintain economic resilience and even some interdependence. —Oriana Skylar Mastro, Foreign Affairs, 20 May 2025

Ensure balanced investment across all three pillars, recognizing their interdependence. 3. —Meeky Hwang, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025

With just over 78% of Mexico’s exports going to the U.S., and some companies considering expanding their presence in Mexico, the economic interdependence between these nations cannot be overstated. —Jorge Gonzalez Henrichsen, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025

Set Strong Boundaries Moderate interdependence, like with neighbors or casual friends, breeds comfort without suffocation. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for interdependence

• superintendence
• ascendance
• attendance
• dependance
• dependence
• transcendence
• tendance