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
As Hollywood endeavors to lessen its dependence on oil — working to replace diesel generators on sets, for instance, with all-electric and solar alternatives — Jacobson talks with THR about the significance of these early movies and how the industry continues to impact the planet.
—
Degen Pener, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2025
Measurements of economic growth that accounted for the environmental costs of fossil fuels might have discouraged this enormous dependence.
—Brian Deese, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
Consequently, if Scholz’s ban outlasts his government and disrupts Turkey’s goal of flying Typhoons by 2030, that would mark a significant blow to Ankara’s nascent efforts to diversify its air force and lessen its dependence on the United States.
—Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Western Digital has developed a way to mine old hard drives for rare earth elements, which promises to ease the tech industry’s dependence on carbon-heavy mining.
—Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dependence
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Degen Pener, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2025
Measurements of economic growth that accounted for the environmental costs of fossil fuels might have discouraged this enormous dependence.
—Brian Deese, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
Consequently, if Scholz’s ban outlasts his government and disrupts Turkey’s goal of flying Typhoons by 2030, that would mark a significant blow to Ankara’s nascent efforts to diversify its air force and lessen its dependence on the United States.
—Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Western Digital has developed a way to mine old hard drives for rare earth elements, which promises to ease the tech industry’s dependence on carbon-heavy mining.
—Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 18 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 30 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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