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
The blame lies with the traditional recruitment process and its continued dependence on résumés.
—
Jacob Jacquet, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024
Fink’s mention of onshoring highlighted the U.S.’s efforts in recent years — particularly in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic — to reduce dependence on foreign supply chains and to invest in domestic jobs, particularly in manufacturing.
—Natasha Turak, CNBC, 29 Oct. 2024
Colombia has already succeeded in finding some money to protect nature, but in the long term replacing dependence on oil will require private finance at a much bigger scale.
—Justin Worland/bogotá, TIME, 29 Oct. 2024
Ishiba also supports legislation that could allow married women to keep their maiden names, and has said Japan should reduce its dependence on nuclear energy in favor of renewables.
—Helen Regan, CNN, 26 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for dependence 
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illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of
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Jacob Jacquet, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024
Fink’s mention of onshoring highlighted the U.S.’s efforts in recent years — particularly in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic — to reduce dependence on foreign supply chains and to invest in domestic jobs, particularly in manufacturing.
—Natasha Turak, CNBC, 29 Oct. 2024
Colombia has already succeeded in finding some money to protect nature, but in the long term replacing dependence on oil will require private finance at a much bigger scale.
—Justin Worland/bogotá, TIME, 29 Oct. 2024
Ishiba also supports legislation that could allow married women to keep their maiden names, and has said Japan should reduce its dependence on nuclear energy in favor of renewables.
—Helen Regan, CNN, 26 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for dependence
Dictionary Entries Near dependence
Cite this Entry
“Dependence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dependence. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024.
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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