Meaning & Definition of word "Dependency"

Dependency

/dɪˈpɛndənsi/

noun:

  • 1. A state of reliance or association with another entity; a condition in which something is contingent upon or influenced by something else.
    • Example: The company's dependency on a single supplier made it vulnerable to market changes.
  • 2. A relationship in which one party relies on another for support or help.
    • Example: His emotional dependency on his friends sometimes hindered his independence.
  • 3. A social or economic system in which one country or region relies heavily on another for resources or economic stability.
    • Example: The country's dependency on foreign aid raises questions about its economic sovereignty.
  • 4. A situation in which a person is unable to function without the assistance of a particular substance, such as a drug.
    • Example: Her dependency on painkillers became apparent when she struggled to cope without them.

Etymology

From Middle French 'dépendance', from Latin 'dependentia', meaning 'a hanging down'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

codependency:

A relationship where one person enables another's addiction, poor mental health, or underachievement.

dependency injection:

A design pattern in software development where an object receives other objects it depends on.

dependency theory:

An economic theory suggesting that resources flow from a 'periphery' of poor states to a 'core' of wealthy states.

Related Words

depend:

To rely on someone or something.

dependent:

Relying on someone or something else for support.

interdependence:

Mutual dependence between things.

Slang Meanings of dependency

Meaning: Addiction, especially to substances.

Example Sentence: He finally admitted his dependency on alcohol.

Meaning: Feeling of needing someone in an emotionally intense relationship.

Example Sentence: Their dependency on each other made the breakup really hard.