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
Hungary has used its own exemption from the EU sanctions to deepen its dependence on Russian fossil fuels.
—
Tim Lister, CNN Money, 5 Apr. 2026
For now, China is more insulated from the disruption in the Strait of Hormuz than other countries after diversifying its energy sources and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
—Didi Tang, Fortune, 4 Apr. 2026
Evidence shows nicotine products can help quitters overcome these hurdles and permanently break their tobacco dependence.
—Bautista Vivanco, Boston Herald, 4 Apr. 2026
Innovation success depends on how a collective is structured, particularly its level of search dependence and goal alignment.
—Harvard Business Review, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dependence
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Tim Lister, CNN Money, 5 Apr. 2026
For now, China is more insulated from the disruption in the Strait of Hormuz than other countries after diversifying its energy sources and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
—Didi Tang, Fortune, 4 Apr. 2026
Evidence shows nicotine products can help quitters overcome these hurdles and permanently break their tobacco dependence.
—Bautista Vivanco, Boston Herald, 4 Apr. 2026
Innovation success depends on how a collective is structured, particularly its level of search dependence and goal alignment.
—Harvard Business Review, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dependence
Cite this Entry
“Dependence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dependence. Accessed 10 Apr. 2026.
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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