noun
Common
reliance
rih-LEYE-uhns
Reliance (noun) means Dependence on or trust in someone or something. Example: “The company's heavy reliance on one supplier proved risky.”
noun
1
Dependence on or trust in someone or something.
"Hornblower could see in a flash that he could place implicit reliance on Bush’s seamanship."
— C. S. Forester (1962)
"I put infinite reliance in your tact."
— W. Somerset Maugham, Mrs. Dot (1912)
"Your reliance on his expertise may be misplaced."
"The company's heavy reliance on one supplier proved risky."
"Her reliance on caffeine to get through the day is a bit worrying."
"Our reliance on public transport grew once the car broke down."
How to use reliance
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe state of depending on something or trusting in it.
Common pairings
heavy reliance
reliance on
reduce reliance
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Word forms
- Plural
- reliances
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The company's heavy _____ on one supplier proved risky.
Etymology
From rely plus the noun-forming suffix -ance.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for reliance
See all rhymes for reliance →Frequently asked questions
What does “reliance” mean?
The word “reliance” means dependence on or trust in someone or something. In plain terms, the state of depending on something or trusting in it.
How do you pronounce “reliance”?
“Reliance” is pronounced rih-LEYE-uhns (/ɹɪˈlaɪ.əns/ in IPA).
How do you use “reliance” in a sentence?
Here is “reliance” used in a sentence: “The company's heavy reliance on one supplier proved risky.”
What part of speech is “reliance”?
“Reliance” is a noun.
Is “reliance” a common word?
“Reliance” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between reliance and dependence?
Reliance and dependence both describe relying on someone or something, and they are largely interchangeable. Reliance can carry a slightly more neutral or positive tone, such as reliance on good judgment, while dependence sometimes suggests a stronger or less healthy need, as in dependence on medication. Context usually determines which word fits better.
What is the difference between reliance and trust?
Reliance emphasizes depending on someone or something to function or perform as expected, often in a practical sense. Trust emphasizes a belief in someone's honesty, reliability, or good intentions, which is more emotional or relational. You can have reliance on a system without necessarily trusting the people behind it, though the two often go together.
What preposition typically follows reliance?
Reliance is usually followed by "on" or "upon," as in "reliance on public transport" or "reliance upon a single supplier." This shows what the dependence is directed toward.
