C1noun3K

Dependence

UK /["/dɪˈpendəns/"]/US /["/dɪˈpendəns/"]/

Definition

the state of needing the help and support of somebody/something in order to survive or be successful

In simple words: When someone needs something or someone else to function or be okay.

Examples

Her financial dependence on her parents made her reluctant to move out.
The country's dependence on oil exports leaves its economy vulnerable to market fluctuations.
The patient's dependence on medication requires careful monitoring by doctors.
Young children often show dependence on their caregivers for emotional support.
The scientific theory suggests a dependence between two variables in the experiment.
In programming, the dependence of one function on another must be managed carefully.

Usage notes

Use 'dependence' in discussions about addiction, relationships, or support systems. It's more formal than 'need' and should be used in academic or serious contexts, but can also apply informally.

Grammar pattern

dependence + on + object

Memory hint

Think of 'depend' as needing a friend you can lean on.

Collocations

great
heavy
absolute
have
increase
reduce
dependence on
dependence upon
alcohol
drug
nicotine
dependence on

Synonyms

reliance
dependency
need
requirement
addiction

Antonyms

independence
self-sufficiency
autonomy

Common mistakes

Confused with 'independence'
Used with incorrect prepositions (should be 'dependence on', not 'dependence of')
Mixing up noun and verb forms ('depend' vs 'dependence')