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
- 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 ) ( depend ) + -ance -ence
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.
Tesla’s dependence on China became clear last year when it had to reduce the use of rare-earth magnets in Optimus after China tightened export restrictions, according to people familiar with Tesla’s supply chain.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026
Defending this approach as "pragmatic", Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson told the BBC the UK needed to move away from its dependence on fossil fuels and invest more in home-grown energy.
From BBC • Mar. 29, 2026
Solar power plays a major role in efforts to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and address climate change.
From Science Daily • Mar. 28, 2026
Europe, already vulnerable due to its dependence on imported energy, has seen prices surge following Qatar’s decision to halt a significant portion of production at its Ras Laffan complex after missile damage.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 26, 2026
I have a great regard for you and Emma; but when it comes to the question of dependence or independence!—At any rate, it must be better to have only one to please than two.”
From "Emma" by Jane Austen
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.
