dependency

noun

de·​pen·​den·​cy di-ˈpen-dən(t)-sē 

plural dependencies

1

: dependence sense 1

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

Synonyms of dependency

• dependence
• reliance

Examples of dependency in a Sentence

the country's dependency on foreign oil

a dependency on foreign oil

Recent Examples on the Web

The popular code library is just one example of the broader problem of critical software dependencies that have never been seriously audited. —Evan Johnson, IEEE Spectrum, 30 Apr. 2026

Some critics argue that the clean energy transition simply trades one dependency for another, shifting reliance from fossil fuels controlled by unstable actors to supply chains heavily concentrated in China. —Jennifer Granholm, semafor.com, 30 Apr. 2026

Existing systems depend heavily on export markets and resale channels to remain financially viable — a dependency that will not scale. —Jessica Binns, Vogue, 27 Apr. 2026

The conference site sits near a major Colombian fuel-storage terminal, highlighting the tension between climate ambitions and the fossil-fuel dependency. —Fabiano Maisonnave, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

depend(ent) entry 1 + -ency

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for dependency

• ascendancy
• ascendency
• independency
• interdependency
• superintendency
• pendency
• tendency

Kids Definition

dependency

noun

de·​pend·​en·​cy

di-ˈpen-dən-sē

plural dependencies

1

: dependence sense 1

2

: a territory under the authority of a nation but not formally a part of it

Medical Definition

dependency

noun

de·​pen·​den·​cy -dən-sē 

plural dependencies

: dependence