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
Russia might increase its overland exports of oil and gas to its southern neighbor, reducing China’s dependence on maritime energy imports that U.S. forces could block during a conflict.
—
Andrea Kendall-Taylor, Foreign Affairs, 23 Apr. 2024
Sodium is about 500 times more abundant than lithium, and widely available in the U.S., reducing the country’s dependence on foreign sources.
—Aldo Svaldi, The Denver Post, 18 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for dependence 
Andrea Kendall-Taylor, Foreign Affairs, 23 Apr. 2024
Sodium is about 500 times more abundant than lithium, and widely available in the U.S., reducing the country’s dependence on foreign sources.
—Aldo Svaldi, The Denver Post, 18 Apr. 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 5 May. 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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