dependency

or de·pend·an·cy

[ dih-pen-duhn-see ]

noun

, plural de·pend·en·cies.

1. the state of being dependent; dependence.
2. something dependent or subordinate; appurtenance.
3. an outbuilding or annex.
4. a subject territory that is not an integral part of the ruling country.

dependency

/ dɪˈpɛndənsɪ /

noun

1. a territory subject to a state on which it does not border
2. a dependent or subordinate person or thing
3. psychol overreliance by a person on another person or on a drug, etc
4. another word for dependence

Other Words From

• nonde·pendan·cy noun plural nondependancies
• nonde·penden·cy noun plural nondependencies
• self-de·penden·cy noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of dependency¹

First recorded in 1585–95; dependence + -y ³

Example Sentences

While very effective at blocking pain, they are also addictive and can cause devastating dependency.

From Science Daily

People can develop a dependency for ketamine and have misused it with side effects to the bladder and other organs.

From Salon

The prospect of the Champions Trophy taking place without India would appear to be a non-starter because of the financial dependency of cricket on the nation.

From BBC

This may well deter people from getting help with problematic drug dependency.

From BBC

But he cautioned against creating a "dependency culture".

From BBC