dependency

noun

de·​pen·​den·​cy di-ˈpen-dən(t)-sē How to pronounce dependency (audio)
plural dependencies
Synonyms of dependencynext
1
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
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.
Teenagers should not be nudged into parasocial dependency by synthetic friends that flatter them, mirror them back to themselves, and encourage them to come back for more. Ryan McBain, STAT, 2 July 2026 Both countries are also hunting for ways to reduce dependencies on China. J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 2 July 2026 One-quarter are exposed to at least two of those dependencies. Eric Kutcher, Fortune, 2 July 2026 The moment engineering loses trust—over speed, quality, collaboration or dependency—that’s a crack a leader has to address fast. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for dependency

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dependency was in 1594

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dependency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dependency. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

dependency

noun
de·​pend·​en·​cy
di-ˈpen-dən-sē
plural dependencies
1
2
: a territory under the authority of a nation but not formally a part of it

Medical Definition

dependency

noun
de·​pen·​den·​cy -dən-sē How to pronounce dependency (audio)
plural dependencies

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