dependant

British  

/ dɪˈpɛndənt /

noun

1. a person who depends on another person, organization, etc, for support, aid, or sustenance, esp financial support

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Commonly Confused

See dependent

Explanation

A dependant is someone who relies on someone else, possibly for financial support. You'll most often find this spelling in British English, where it's favored (or favoured!) in using the word as a noun. Don't be confused by the spelling. In the UK, the -ant ending often shows up for the noun but not the adjective. In the US, the -ent ending is more popular for both the noun and adjective. Either way, this word has to do with reliance. Kids are dependants (or dependents) of their parents, which means they depend on them for food and shelter.

Example Sentences

The boss of South East Water has said the company is too dependant on individual facilities after a six-day supply failure affected thousands of people in Kent.

From BBC • Dec. 20, 2025

"You are no longer dependant on a financial system with its middlemen and its costs."

From BBC • Dec. 10, 2025

Volkswagen and Audi on Friday said their full-year financial guidance was dependant on an adequate supply of semiconductors.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 3, 2025

Comparing heatwaves each year is difficult because they are location dependant and the current Met Office heatwave definition has only been in place since 2019.

From BBC • Jul. 10, 2025

It is virtually selected by the Master of the Crown Office, a dependant on the Civil List assailed in his book.

From The Life Of Thomas Paine, Vol. I. (of II) With A History of His Literary, Political and Religious Career in America France, and England; to which is added a Sketch of Paine by William Cobbett by Conway, Moncure Daniel