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
No question there is nothing wrong with using Greenland and Ukraine as a possible source of minerals if either could lead to a significant reduction in U.S. dependence on Chinese minerals.
—
Jim Constantopoulos, Boston Herald, 17 Mar. 2025
National Presto Industries highlighted its dependence on key customers and suppliers, especially in the Housewares/Small Appliance segment, where a significant portion of products are sourced from Asia.
—Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 14 Mar. 2025
For You Lorazepam can quickly relieve anxiety, but it should only be used short-term due to the risk of dependence and withdrawal.
—Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 14 Mar. 2025
While Kyiv has been heavily reliant on U.S. military aid, Ukraine has moved away from its dependence on Western weapons and pushed its domestic defense industry to produce a significant amount of its own missiles and munitions.
—Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dependence
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Jim Constantopoulos, Boston Herald, 17 Mar. 2025
National Presto Industries highlighted its dependence on key customers and suppliers, especially in the Housewares/Small Appliance segment, where a significant portion of products are sourced from Asia.
—Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 14 Mar. 2025
For You Lorazepam can quickly relieve anxiety, but it should only be used short-term due to the risk of dependence and withdrawal.
—Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 14 Mar. 2025
While Kyiv has been heavily reliant on U.S. military aid, Ukraine has moved away from its dependence on Western weapons and pushed its domestic defense industry to produce a significant amount of its own missiles and munitions.
—Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 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 22 Mar. 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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