dependent

or de·pend·ant

[ dih-pen-duhnt ]

adjective

1. relying on someone or something else for aid, support, etc.
2. conditioned or determined by something else; contingent:

   Our trip is dependent on the weather.

3. subordinate; subject:

   a dependent territory.

4. Grammar. not used in isolation; used only in connection with other forms. In I walked out when the bell rang, when the bell rang is a dependent clause. Compare independent ( def 14 ), main ¹( def 4 ).
5. hanging down; pendent.
6. Mathematics.
   1. (of a variable) having values determined by one or more independent variables.
   2. (of an equation) having solutions that are identical to those of another equation or to those of a set of equations.
7. Statistics. (of an event or a value) not statistically independent.

noun

1. a person who depends on or needs someone or something for aid, support, favor, etc.
2. a child, spouse, parent, or certain other relative to whom one contributes all or a major amount of necessary financial support:

   She listed two dependents on her income-tax form.

3. Archaic. a subordinate part.

dependent

/ dɪˈpɛndənt /

adjective

1. depending on a person or thing for aid, support, life, etc
2. postpositive; foll by on or upon influenced or conditioned (by); contingent (on)
3. subordinate; subject

   a dependent prince

4. obsolete.
   hanging down
5. maths
   1. (of a variable) having a value depending on that assumed by a related independent variable
   2. (of a linear equation) having every solution as a solution of one or more given linear equations

noun

1. grammar an element in a phrase or clause that is not the governor
2. a variant spelling (esp US) of dependant

Usage

See dependant

Derived Forms

• deˈpendently, adverb

Other Words From

• de·pendent·ly de·pendant·ly adverb
• over·de·pendent adjective
• prede·pendent adjective
• quasi-de·pendent adjective
• quasi-de·pendent·ly adverb
• self-de·pendent adjective
• self-de·pendent·ly adverb
• semi·de·pendent adjective
• semi·de·pendent·ly adverb
• unde·pendent adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dependent¹

First recorded in 1375–1425, dependent is from the late Middle English word dependaunt. See depend, -ent

Example Sentences

However, tipping practices also sparked debates about fairness and inequality as employers increasingly relied on tips to supplement low wages, leaving workers dependent on unpredictable gratuities.

From Salon

The teaching profession, and the American education system as a whole, is dependent on this kind of unpaid labor.

From Los Angeles Times

And, as much as the Chargers intended to diversify their offense, they remain helplessly dependent on Herbert.

From Los Angeles Times

For a nation facing conflict and heavily dependent on oil revenues, improving environmental responsibility has been "at the tail of our priorities", she says.

From BBC

Annual payments will be available for relatives who had been financially dependent on the loved one who died.

From BBC

Related Words

• defenseless
• poor
• reliant
• vulnerable