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
Trump will invoke the Defense Production Act to declare a national emergency due to U.S. dependence on Russia and China for enriched uranium, nuclear fuel processing and inputs for advance reactors, according to a draft summary viewed by Reuters.
—
Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 23 May 2025
Four sources familiar with the matter told Reuters that the forthcoming orders aim to simplify the regulatory process for approving new nuclear reactors and to strengthen nuclear fuel supply chains amid mounting concerns over U.S. dependence on foreign suppliers.
—Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 May 2025
By fulfilling this need for dependence and costing less time and money than human children, parenting dogs is a win-win situation.
—Stephanie Edwards, Discover Magazine, 22 May 2025
Financial dependence can strip a victim of the material resources needed to leave an abusive relationship, Dr. Dawn Hughes told the jury.
—Elizabeth Rosner, People.com, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for dependence
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Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 23 May 2025
Four sources familiar with the matter told Reuters that the forthcoming orders aim to simplify the regulatory process for approving new nuclear reactors and to strengthen nuclear fuel supply chains amid mounting concerns over U.S. dependence on foreign suppliers.
—Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 May 2025
By fulfilling this need for dependence and costing less time and money than human children, parenting dogs is a win-win situation.
—Stephanie Edwards, Discover Magazine, 22 May 2025
Financial dependence can strip a victim of the material resources needed to leave an abusive relationship, Dr. Dawn Hughes told the jury.
—Elizabeth Rosner, People.com, 21 May 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 1 Jun. 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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