dependence

American  

[dih-pen-duhns] / dɪˈpɛn dəns /

Or dependance

noun

1. the state of relying on or needing someone or something for aid, support, or the like.

2. reliance; confidence; trust.

   Her complete reliability earned her our dependence.

3. an object of reliance or trust.

4. the state of being conditional or contingent on something, as through a natural or logical sequence.

   the dependence of an effect upon a cause.

5. the state of being psychologically or physiologically dependent on a drug after a prolonged period of use.

6. subordination or subjection.

   the dependence of Martinique upon France.

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dependence British  

/ dɪˈpɛndəns /

noun

1. the state or fact of being dependent, esp for support or help

2. reliance; trust; confidence

3. rare an object or person relied upon

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Other Word Forms

• nondependance noun
• nondependence noun
• overdependence noun
• predependence noun
• self-dependence noun
• semidependence noun

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.

Example Sentences

A country's economic resilience will depend on a number of factors, the IMF said, including the damage to energy infrastructure, dependence on the Strait of Hormuz and availability of alternative export routes.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

Some hyperscalers are exploring on-site generation, including small modular nuclear reactors and natural-gas peakers, to reduce grid dependence.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026

Rigetti has drawn criticism on Wall Street over its reliance on federal funding to support ongoing research-and-development efforts, with some analysts arguing that Rigetti’s dependence on government contracts limits its near-term growth potential.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

This growing dependence is now seen as a major weakness in the UK food system.

From Science Daily • Apr. 5, 2026

If there is one thing she hates most about being in the foster care system, it’s this dependence on people you barely know, your vulnerability to their whims.

From "Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline

Related Words

• confidence
• dependency