noun
Uncommon
dependence
dih-PEHN-duhns
Dependence (noun) means the state of relying on someone or something else. Example: “Their growing dependence on imported oil worried economists.”
noun
1
The state of relying on someone or something else.
"Their growing dependence on imported oil worried economists."
"Over time, she developed a dependence on painkillers."
"He had a deep dependence on her for guidance."
"The village's dependence on a single bridge made the storm especially worrying."
How to use dependence
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRelying heavily on something, sometimes in an unhealthy way, such as with drugs.
Common mistake
"Dependence" and "dependency" are often used interchangeably, though "dependency" more often refers to a specific relationship or territory (e.g. a colonial dependency).
Easily confused with
Common pairings
drug dependence
dependence on
a growing dependence
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like dependence.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- dependences
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Their growing _____ on imported oil worried economists.
Etymology
From Middle French dépendance, built on "depend."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for dependence
See all rhymes for dependence →Frequently asked questions
What does “dependence” mean?
The word “dependence” means the state of relying on someone or something else. In plain terms, relying heavily on something, sometimes in an unhealthy way, such as with drugs.
How do you pronounce “dependence”?
“Dependence” is pronounced dih-PEHN-duhns (/dɪˈpɛndəns/ in IPA).
How do you use “dependence” in a sentence?
Here is “dependence” used in a sentence: “Their growing dependence on imported oil worried economists.”
What is the opposite of “dependence”?
The opposite of “dependence” — its antonyms — is independence.
What part of speech is “dependence”?
“Dependence” is a noun.
Where does the word “dependence” come from?
The word “dependence” comes from Middle French. From Middle French dépendance, built on "depend.".
Is “dependence” a common word?
“Dependence” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between dependence and dependency?
Dependence and dependency are closely related and often used interchangeably to describe relying on someone or something else, though dependency can also specifically refer to a territory governed by another country or to a substance addiction in clinical contexts. Dependence is the more general term for the state of relying on something.
What preposition typically follows dependence?
Dependence is usually followed by "on" or "upon," as in "dependence on imported oil" or "a heavy dependence upon technology." This structure identifies exactly what the reliance is directed toward.
Is dependence always negative?
Dependence is neutral in itself and simply describes reliance on someone or something, but it often appears in contexts implying vulnerability or a lack of self-sufficiency, such as economic or emotional dependence. It is not inherently negative, though it commonly carries that connotation in discussions of health or addiction.
