Dependence

/dɪˈpɛndəns/

Meaning & Definition

noun
The state of relying on or being controlled by someone or something else.
Her dependence on caffeine made it difficult for her to start her day without a cup of coffee.
A condition in which someone is addicted to a substance, often impacting their health and social life.
His dependence on alcohol caused significant problems in his relationships.
The state of being dependent; reliance on someone or something.
There is a strong dependence of the economy on foreign trade.
A situation in which one decision or condition relies on another.
The project's success is in dependence on the availability of funding.

Etymology

Late Middle English: from Old French dépendance, from Latin dependentia.

Common Phrases and Expressions

codependence
A relationship where each person is dependent on the other.
interdependence
Mutual dependence between things or people.
economic dependence
A condition where an economy relies on another entity for stability or growth.

Related Words

dependent
Relying on someone or something.
dependency
A condition of relying on or being controlled by someone or something.
independence
The state of being independent.

Slang Meanings

Being hooked on something.
He's so addicted to his phone, it's like he's got a tech dependence.
Codependent relationship.
Their relationship is all about that dependence vibe; they can't do anything alone.