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
These can signal unhealthy dependence.
—
Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 30 Dec. 2025
By the turn of the 20th century, the communities’ populations were dwindling—in large part due to their foundational belief in celibacy and dependence on new converts—and lacked the numbers to support production.
—Lila Allen, Architectural Digest, 26 Dec. 2025
California already struggles with structural deficits and high dependence on volatile technology sector income.
—Joshua Rauh, Oc Register, 20 Dec. 2025
But years of dependence, deep internal and regional divisions, and a preference for spending money on social needs over defense have left them without viable near-term options.
—Philip H. Gordon, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dependence
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 30 Dec. 2025
By the turn of the 20th century, the communities’ populations were dwindling—in large part due to their foundational belief in celibacy and dependence on new converts—and lacked the numbers to support production.
—Lila Allen, Architectural Digest, 26 Dec. 2025
California already struggles with structural deficits and high dependence on volatile technology sector income.
—Joshua Rauh, Oc Register, 20 Dec. 2025
But years of dependence, deep internal and regional divisions, and a preference for spending money on social needs over defense have left them without viable near-term options.
—Philip H. Gordon, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 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 31 Dec. 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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