dependency

Or de·pend·an·cy

[dih-pen-duhn-see]

noun

plural

dependencies 

1. the state of being dependent; dependence.

2. something dependent or subordinate; appurtenance.

3. an outbuilding or annex.

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

dependency

/ dɪˈpɛndənsɪ /

noun

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

2. a dependent or subordinate person or thing

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

4. another word for dependence

Other Word Forms

• nondependancy noun
• nondependency noun
• self-dependency noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of dependency¹

First recorded in 1585–95; dependence + -y ³

Example Sentences

"It is high time for Europe to step up its game. To redouble its efforts to reduce our dependencies on China," Sejourne told EU lawmakers.

Read more on Barron's

Carney’s master plan for breaking U.S. dependency—extracting more natural resources and diversifying their export—will take years at best, and he may not be making the best start.

Read more on Barron's

It will also seek to secure critical minerals needed for its green transition and ease its dependency on China for rare earths, essential for tech and electronic goods.

Read more on Barron's

That would push up the old age dependency ratio - the proportion of older people over the age of 65 relative to people aged 16 to 64 - from around 30% today to almost 50% by 2070.

Read more on BBC

It may foster corruption, dependency and stunt economic development.

Read more on Salon