dependence
Americannoun
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the state of relying on or needing someone or something for aid, support, or the like.
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reliance; confidence; trust.
Her complete reliability earned her our dependence.
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an object of reliance or trust.
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the state of being conditional or contingent on something, as through a natural or logical sequence.
the dependence of an effect upon a cause.
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the state of being psychologically or physiologically dependent on a drug after a prolonged period of use.
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subordination or subjection.
the dependence of Martinique upon France.
noun
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the state or fact of being dependent, esp for support or help
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reliance; trust; confidence
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rare an object or person relied upon
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of dependence
1400–50; late Middle English dependaunce < Old French dependance, equivalent to depend ( re ) ( see depend) + -ance -ence
Explanation
Dependence is a state where someone is heavily reliant on someone or something else. This could mean the dependence of children on parents or an addict on a drug. Since to depend on someone is to need them, dependence is a state or condition of strong need. There are many kinds of dependence: a dog is in a state of dependence with his master. This word is also often used for drug and alcohol dependence, which is known as addiction. Dependence a strong word for extreme needs: liking something, like chocolate, isn't really dependence. The opposite of dependence is independence: being self-reliant and not needing others.
Vocabulary lists containing dependence
Psychological Conditions and Disorders
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Psychology
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Jimmy Carter, Speech from July 15, 1979
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Dependence on copper is growing exponentially across the world economy's most innovative sectors.
From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026
Dependence on donations was, he said, one of many problems holding back Palestinian health care.
From Salon • Mar. 29, 2025
Dependence on devices and time spent on social media rose dramatically during the pandemic, as restless, isolated teens looked for an escape.
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 30, 2024
Dependence on the firm is reduced during the rainy season.
From Reuters • Sep. 8, 2023
Let them Dy, Renouncing all Dependence on any Righteousness of their own; Alas, what can they have of their own to Depend upon!
From Privateering and Piracy in the Colonial Period Illustrative Documents by Jameson, J. Franklin (John Franklin)
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
