dependency

noun

de·​pen·​den·​cy di-ˈpen-dən(t)-sē How to pronounce dependency (audio)
plural dependencies
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

Examples of dependency in a Sentence

the country's dependency on foreign oil a dependency on foreign oil
Recent Examples on the Web As far back as 2015, when all of Washington was under the influence of unfettered free-trade shibboleths, Trump warned about the dangers of economic dependencies, built up over decades of liberalization, that could be exploited for geopolitical leverage. Andrew Byers, Foreign Affairs, 1 July 2024 An author would need to contact the company to take over one of those dependencies at this point. Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 1 July 2024 Traditionally, developers have relied on infrastructure services, leading to a maze of external dependencies and complex paradigms. Molly Peck, USA TODAY, 6 June 2024 What's more, warns Dr. Nazarian, regular caffeine consumption can lead to a tolerance and dependency. Melissa Willets, Parents, 7 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for dependency 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dependency.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dependency was in 1594

Dictionary Entries Near dependency

Cite this Entry

“Dependency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dependency. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

dependency

noun
de·​pend·​en·​cy
di-ˈpen-dən-sē
plural dependencies
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

More from Merriam-Webster on dependency

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