interdependence

American  

[in-ter-di-pen-duhns] / ˌɪn tər dɪˈpɛn dəns /

Sometimes interdependency

noun

1. the quality or condition of being interdependent, or mutually reliant on each other.

   Globalization of economies leads to an ever-increasing interdependence of countries.

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interdependence British  

/ ˌɪntədɪˈpɛndəns /

noun

1. dependence between two or more people, groups, or things

   the interdependence of economies

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interdependence Cultural  

1. In economics, the concept that all prices are to some degree affected by all other prices and also that all markets are affected by all other markets.

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Other Word Forms

• interdependency noun
• noninterdependence noun
• noninterdependency noun

Etymology

Origin of interdependence

inter- + dependence

Explanation

Interdependence is mutual dependence between things. If you study biology, you’ll discover that there is a great deal of interdependence between plants and animals. Inter- means "between," so interdependence is dependence between things. We often use interdependence to describe complex systems. Marriage creates a state of interdependence between spouses. If your dog provides you with love and happiness, and you provide your dog with food and walks (and love and happiness), then your relationship with your dog is one of interdependence.

Example Sentences

For Beijing, its economy comes first - and it is this economic interdependence with countries across the region which gives it leverage and helps it project some influence.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

What has changed today isn’t the level of interdependence, but the distribution of power embedded in asymmetric industrial capacity.

From Barron's • Feb. 19, 2026

Warmly displaying their camaraderie and creative interdependence, Zinzi Coogler and Ohanian spilled more about their company over Zoom, including their early days, people who inspired them and how they’re adapting to the shifting media landscape.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 10, 2026

Instead, Mr. Stubb argues—and laments—that we now live in a world of weaponized interdependence.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 9, 2026

When the milk in Oregon is tainted by the radiation eruption of a Soviet nuclear reactor, we are forced to see our interdependence.

From "Warriors Don't Cry: A Searing Memoir of the Battle to Integrate Little Rock's Central High" by Melba Pattillo Beals

Related Words

• interconnection
• interrelationship
• linkage