B2adjective2K

Dependent

UK /["/dɪˈpendənt/"]/US /["/dɪˈpendənt/"]/

Definition

needing somebody/something in order to survive or be successful

In simple words: Someone or something that relies on another person or thing.

Examples

  • The child is dependent on his parents for food and shelter.
  • Many elderly people are dependent on medication to manage their health.
  • In statistics, a dependent variable changes in response to the independent variable.
  • The project’s success is dependent on the team’s cooperation.
  • She feels emotionally dependent on her close friends during difficult times.
  • The economy is heavily dependent on natural resources for growth.

Usage notes

Use 'dependent' when discussing relationships where one party relies on another. More formal in writing, but acceptable in spoken language. Avoid in casual conversations where simpler terms are more appropriate.

Grammar pattern

dependent + on + object

Memory hint

Think of 'dependent' as 'D for Drained' — when you need someone, you feel drained.

Collocations

  • be
  • feel
  • become
  • closely
  • deeply
  • greatly
  • on
  • upon
  • be
  • strongly
  • entirely
  • fully

Synonyms

  • reliant
  • contingent
  • conditional
  • subordinate
  • attached

Antonyms

  • independent
  • self-sufficient
  • autonomous

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'independent'
  • Using 'dependant' instead of 'dependent' in American English
  • Misusing it to describe things that are not reliant on others