adjective

codependent

koh-dih-PEN-duhnt

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Codependent (adjective) means describing a relationship pattern in which one person's sense of worth depends on being needed by the other, so they take responsibility for that person's problems, tolerate harmful behaviour and neglect their own needs to keep the relationship intact. Example: “Their marriage had become codependent: she managed his drinking and he managed her guilt.”

adjective

Describing a relationship pattern in which one person's sense of worth depends on being needed by the other, so they take responsibility for that person's problems, tolerate harmful behaviour and neglect their own needs to keep the relationship intact.

"Their marriage had become codependent: she managed his drinking and he managed her guilt."

"Therapy helped her recognise codependent patterns she had learned at home."

informal, extended use Loosely, of two people or things that rely on each other so heavily that neither functions alone.

"The two departments have become codependent, with neither able to ship anything on its own."

noun

A person who habitually behaves in this way, prioritising another's needs and problems over their own.

"He described himself as a recovering codependent."

How to use codependent

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishWhen someone needs to be needed so much that they lose themselves in another person's problems.

When to use it

Neutral in therapeutic contexts; often used loosely and disparagingly in casual speech about any clingy relationship.

Memory tip

Written both codependent and co-dependent; the unhyphenated form is now more common. The noun for the pattern is codependency.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

interdependent → enabling → dependent → enmeshment

Common pairings

codependent relationship codependent behaviour codependent patterns co-dependent on each other

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Their marriage had become _____: she managed his drinking and he managed her guilt.

Etymology

Formed from the prefix co- 'together' plus dependent; the term arose in addiction treatment to describe the partner of a dependent person.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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enmeshed enabling clingy

Antonyms

interdependent independent self-sufficient

Related words

free main independent mutual dependent preventing sovereign indie

Rhymes for codependent

dependent independent resplendent transcendent superintendent

See all rhymes for codependent →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between codependent and interdependent?

Interdependent partners rely on each other by choice while remaining whole people with their own lives and limits. Codependency loses that balance: one person's identity runs on being needed, boundaries collapse, and helping becomes compulsive rather than chosen.

What is the difference between codependent and enabling?

Enabling is a behaviour — covering for someone, paying their debts, making excuses — that lets a harmful pattern continue. Codependency is the wider emotional pattern that produces such behaviour. Not everyone who enables once is codependent.

Is codependency a diagnosis?

No. It is not a recognised clinical diagnosis in the major diagnostic manuals. It is a widely used descriptive concept in therapy and recovery circles, which is why definitions of it vary between practitioners.

What is the meaning of codependent?

"codependent" (adjective) means describing a relationship pattern in which one person's sense of worth depends on being needed by the other, so they take responsibility for that person's problems, tolerate harmful behaviour and neglect their own needs to keep the relationship intact.

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