dependency meaning

dependency as a noun

1. the state of relying on or being controlled by someone or something else

   Synonyms: dependence, dependance

   Type of: state

   Kinds: helplessness, reliance, subordination, contingency

   Related forms: dependent, depend

2. being abnormally tolerant to and dependent on something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming (especially alcohol or narcotic drugs)

   Synonyms: addiction, dependence, dependance, habituation

   Type of: physical condition

   Kinds: drug addiction

   Related forms: dependent

3. a geographical area politically controlled by a distant country

   Synonyms: colony

   Type of: geographical area

   Kinds: Crown Colony, Cayman Islands, New Netherland

   Related forms: dependent

dependency in a sentence

• Dependency theory explains global economic inequalities.
• Drugs can cause both dependency and tolerance.
• Narcissists create a false sense of dependency in others to ensure their constant attention and validation.
• Algeria needs to get rid of its dependency on oil.
• Tom has a caffeine dependency, doesn't he?

How to pronounce dependency

dependency is pronounced /dɪˈpɛndənsi/ in British English and /dɪˈpɛndənsi/ in American English. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.

Words that rhyme with dependency

• tendency