dependency
noun
de·pen·den·cy
di-ˈpen-dən(t)-sē 
plural dependencies
2
: something that is dependent on something else
especially
: a territorial unit under the jurisdiction of a nation but not formally annexed by it
3
: a building (such as a stable) that is an adjunct to a main dwelling
Examples of dependency in a Sentence
the country's dependency on foreign oil
a dependency on foreign oil
Recent Examples on the Web
The software update will remove dependency on the driver seat occupancy switch from the software and only rely on driver seat belt buckle and ignition status to activate the seat belt reminder signals.
—
Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 31 May 2024
Germany has among the highest old-age dependency ratios in Europe.
—Byryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 30 May 2024
Erica Lawson, 21, has been charged with second-degree murder, failure to report child dependency neglect or abuse, first-degree criminal abuse and first-degree wanton endangerment in connection with the death of her 17-month-old daughter Elena, online court records reviewed by PEOPLE show.
—Corin Cesaric, Peoplemag, 26 May 2024
The law confirmed that all Native Americans were U.S. citizens at birth, while reinforcing their dependency on reservation lands as wards of the federal government.
—Matthew Smith, The Conversation, 21 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for dependency 
Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 31 May 2024
Germany has among the highest old-age dependency ratios in Europe.
—Byryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 30 May 2024
Erica Lawson, 21, has been charged with second-degree murder, failure to report child dependency neglect or abuse, first-degree criminal abuse and first-degree wanton endangerment in connection with the death of her 17-month-old daughter Elena, online court records reviewed by PEOPLE show.
—Corin Cesaric, Peoplemag, 26 May 2024
The law confirmed that all Native Americans were U.S. citizens at birth, while reinforcing their dependency on reservation lands as wards of the federal government.
—Matthew Smith, The Conversation, 21 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for dependency
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dependency.' 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 dependency
Cite this Entry
“Dependency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dependency. Accessed 6 Jun. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share