Showing results for "dependant"

• a variation of dependent.

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

See Examples For:

dependant

The survivors are hopeful the authorities will find them some form of temporary accommodation while the country rebuilds - for now they are dependant on donated food and clothing.

From BBC ● Jun. 29, 2026

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

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

From the next academic year, the threshold for families with one dependant will go up from £20,817 to £23,400 and for households with two or more dependents it will go up from £23,077 to £25,974.

From BBC ● Jan. 26, 2025

Even Scotland, in those days the hungry dependant of all Governments, was shaken in her allegiance.

From Lord Chatham His Early Life and Connections by Archibald Phillip Primrose Rosebery