dependency

or de·pend·an·cy

[ dih-pen-duhn-see ]

noun

plural dependencies.

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 Word Forms

• 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

This is largely believed to be part of why US president Donald Trump is so keen to sign a minerals deal with Ukraine - it wants to reduce dependency on China.

From BBC

By the time she was transferred to a higher dependency unit, at the Royal Preston hospital, she had suffered a brain injury from which she could not recover.

From BBC

But I am also stuck on Victoria’s dependency on lorazepam and her mention of grand mal seizures.

From Los Angeles Times

In other cases, there is dependency on one country that produces a large share of global supply – like cobalt from the The Democratic Republic of Congo.

From BBC

Saudi has spent about £5bn in sport since 2021 - saying the investment is being used to diversify the economy away from a dependency on oil.

From BBC