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
Tariffs from Trump's first term and former President Joe Biden's technological restrictions on Chinese companies have pushed the tech giant to diversify its dependence on Chinese manufacturing.
—
Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
Bayern need to better equip themselves to protect their best qualities and ease their dependence on a small number of players.
—Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
This dependence was brutally exposed during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic when supply shortages underscored our fragile system.
—Rita Numerof, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Less dependence on China and India can create a shield from geopolitical risks and lay the groundwork for a more self-reliant pharmaceutical industry, less at the mercy of international market dynamics and geopolitical conflict.
—Rita Numerof, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dependence
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
Bayern need to better equip themselves to protect their best qualities and ease their dependence on a small number of players.
—Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
This dependence was brutally exposed during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic when supply shortages underscored our fragile system.
—Rita Numerof, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Less dependence on China and India can create a shield from geopolitical risks and lay the groundwork for a more self-reliant pharmaceutical industry, less at the mercy of international market dynamics and geopolitical conflict.
—Rita Numerof, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 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 16 Apr. 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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