dependency

noun

de·​pen·​den·​cy di-ˈpen-dən(t)-sē How to pronounce dependency (audio)
plural dependencies
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

Examples of dependency in a Sentence

the country's dependency on foreign oil a dependency on foreign oil
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Only 5% of companies assess their environmental impacts, fewer than 1% understand their dependencies on nature. Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025 Simultaneously, the labor market is quickly transitioning off its dependency on government and back to the productive private sector. E.j. Antoni, Boston Herald, 13 July 2025 Studies seem to show clearer correlations with dependency and even loneliness, something even OpenAI has pointed to. Parmy Olson, Mercury News, 12 July 2025 This dependency is viewed in Washington as an Achilles' heel. Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for dependency

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dependency was in 1594

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Cite this Entry

“Dependency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dependency. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

dependency

noun
de·​pend·​en·​cy
di-ˈpen-dən-sē
plural dependencies
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 How to pronounce dependency (audio)
plural dependencies

More from Merriam-Webster on dependency

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