dependency
noun
de·pen·den·cy
di-ˈpen-dən(t)-sē 
plural dependencies
2
: something that is dependent on something else
especially
: a territorial unit under the jurisdiction of a nation but not formally annexed by it
3
: a building (such as a stable) that is an adjunct to a main dwelling
Examples of dependency in a Sentence
the country's dependency on foreign oil
a dependency on foreign oil
Recent Examples on the Web
Rapid expansion without profitability is a recipe for dependency on external funding.
—
Jonathan Low, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Over time, this dynamic may develop into a toxic cycle of dependency.
—Eddie Brummelman, Scientific American, 22 Apr. 2025
China also understands that the U.S. cannot easily replace its dependency on Chinese goods, particularly through its supply chains.
—Linggong Kong, The Conversation, 11 Apr. 2025
Nike has significantly reduced its dependency on China in the past 15 years, but that hardly insulated it from last week’s announcement of broad-ranging tariffs, given that 50% of its footwear and 28% of its brand apparel is made in Vietnam.
—Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dependency
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Jonathan Low, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Over time, this dynamic may develop into a toxic cycle of dependency.
—Eddie Brummelman, Scientific American, 22 Apr. 2025
China also understands that the U.S. cannot easily replace its dependency on Chinese goods, particularly through its supply chains.
—Linggong Kong, The Conversation, 11 Apr. 2025
Nike has significantly reduced its dependency on China in the past 15 years, but that hardly insulated it from last week’s announcement of broad-ranging tariffs, given that 50% of its footwear and 28% of its brand apparel is made in Vietnam.
—Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dependency
Cite this Entry
“Dependency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dependency. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share