dependence
noun
de·pen·dence
di-ˈpen-dən(t)s 
variants
or less commonly dependance
1
: the quality or state of being dependent
especially
: the quality or state of being influenced or determined by or subject to another
3
: one that is relied on
4
a
: drug addiction
developed a dependence on painkillers
Examples of dependence in a Sentence
The company was hurt by its dependence on government loans.
Our dependence upon foreign oil makes our economy vulnerable.
a harmful dependence on foreign oil
Recent Examples on the Web
The Company cannot project an exact date for filing an IND for any of its drugs because of dependence on a number of external collaborators and consultants.
—
Kansas City Star, 29 May 2024
In conventional therapy that sought to modify behavior, emotions had long been dismissed as problematic in dealing with marital issues — something to be tamed — and dependence on a loved one was seen as a sign of dysfunction.
—Penelope Green, New York Times, 28 May 2024
But the restructuring expert is also picking through other choices made under Kenny’s leadership in relation to an increasing dependence on Thai Union supply.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 21 May 2024
These shortages have led to the state’s dependence on private contractors that, in at least one instance outlined in Lowenthal’s audit request, have cost the state hundreds of millions of dollars.
—Vik Jolly, Sacramento Bee, 21 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for dependence 
Kansas City Star, 29 May 2024
In conventional therapy that sought to modify behavior, emotions had long been dismissed as problematic in dealing with marital issues — something to be tamed — and dependence on a loved one was seen as a sign of dysfunction.
—Penelope Green, New York Times, 28 May 2024
But the restructuring expert is also picking through other choices made under Kenny’s leadership in relation to an increasing dependence on Thai Union supply.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 21 May 2024
These shortages have led to the state’s dependence on private contractors that, in at least one instance outlined in Lowenthal’s audit request, have cost the state hundreds of millions of dollars.
—Vik Jolly, Sacramento Bee, 21 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for dependence
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dependence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near dependence
Cite this Entry
“Dependence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dependence. Accessed 6 Jun. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
dependence
noun
de·pen·dence
di-ˈpen-dən(t)s
1
: the quality or state of being dependent upon or unduly subject to the influence of another
2
a
: drug addiction
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