dependence

American  

[dih-pen-duhns] / dɪˈpɛn dəns /

Or dependance

noun

dependences plural

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

Derived Forms

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

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• dependences
  plural

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

That rare broadside is displayed alongside a more obscure document: the so-called Declaration of Dependence signed by 547 Loyalists, a reminder that political unanimity was elusive from the nation’s earliest days.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 2, 2026

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 legislation begets a want of self-reliance, and destroys the stimulus to progress and good management.

From Principles Of Political Economy Abridged with Critical, Bibliographical, and Explanatory Notes, and a Sketch of the History of Political Economy by Mill, John Stuart

Related Words

• confidence
• dependency