dependency

or de·pend·an·cy

[ dih-pen-duhn-see ]

/ dɪˈpɛn dən si /

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See synonyms for: dependency / dependencies on Thesaurus.com

noun, plural de·pend·en·cies.

the state of being dependent; dependence.

something dependent or subordinate; appurtenance.

an outbuilding or annex.

a subject territory that is not an integral part of the ruling country.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of dependency

First recorded in 1585–95; dependence + -y³

OTHER WORDS FROM dependency

non·de·pend·an·cy, noun, plural non·de·pend·an·cies.non·de·pend·en·cy, noun, plural non·de·pend·en·cies.self-de·pend·en·cy, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use dependency in a sentence

The fates of species are braided with feedback systems, complicated interactions, and co-dependencies.
The Big Idea: Saving the World’s Most Important Fish|Kevin M. Bailey|August 9, 2013|DAILY BEAST
As more drugs are prescribed, more soldiers are developing dependencies.
From PTSD to Prison: Why Veterans Become Criminals|Matthew Wolfe|July 28, 2013|DAILY BEAST
With the existing colonies or dependencies of any European power, we have not interfered, and shall not interfere.
Key-Notes of American Liberty|Various
But for the present the ostensible compliance of the northern dependencies was accepted.
The Life of Napoleon Bonaparte|William Milligan Sloane

In the year 1550 there was a general reunion of the towns and their dependencies at Mani.
The Maya Chronicles|Various
Alexander the Great, before transporting his forces into Asia, decided to make his power felt by the Macedonian dependencies.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 8|Various
At the close of the year the Island of Ceylon was added to our Indian dependencies.
History of the English People, Volume VIII (of 8)|John Richard Green

British Dictionary definitions for dependency

dependency

sometimes US dependancy

/ (dɪˈpɛndənsɪ) /

noun plural -cies

a territory subject to a state on which it does not border

a dependent or subordinate person or thing

psychol overreliance by a person on another person or on a drug, etc

another word for dependence

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

dependency

or de·pend·an·cy

Origin of dependency

OTHER WORDS FROM dependency

Words related to dependency

How to use dependency in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for dependency

sometimes US dependancy