dependency

noun

de·​pen·​den·​cy di-ˈpen-dən(t)-sē How to pronounce dependency (audio)
plural dependencies
Synonyms of dependencynext
1
: dependence sense 1
2
: something that is dependent on something else
especially : a territorial unit under the jurisdiction of a nation but not formally annexed by it
3
: a building (such as a stable) that is an adjunct to a main dwelling

Synonyms of dependency

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Examples of dependency in a Sentence

the country's dependency on foreign oil a dependency on foreign oil
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The water woes must be seen in the context of Puerto Rico’s dependency on the United States. — Isabel Rosales, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026 Toxic candidates, from our experience, often easily answer questions about successes and strengths but struggle with those about about failures, dependencies, and how others experienced working with them. — Harvard Business Review, 24 Aug. 2026 Map every workflow's dependency on a single external provider. — Pawel Rzeszucinski, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 That strategy, designed to feed riders to trains and buses while lessening dependency on cars, led to the creation of Downtown Dadeland and clusters of towers and shops now rising around transit stations. — Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dependency

Word History

Etymology

depend(ent) entry 1 + -ency

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dependency was in 1594

Rhymes for dependency

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Browse Nearby Words

dependence
dependency
dependent
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Cite this Entry

“Dependency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dependency. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

dependency

noun
de·​pend·​en·​cy
di-ˈpen-dən-sē
plural dependencies
1
: dependence sense 1
2
: a territory under the authority of a nation but not formally a part of it

Medical Definition

dependency

noun
de·​pen·​den·​cy -dən-sē How to pronounce dependency (audio)
plural dependencies
: dependence

More from Merriam-Webster on dependency

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dependency

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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