ENGLISH
REFERENCE

dependent on sb/sth

idiom
Meaning

to need someone or something to survive, succeed, or work correctly.


Examples
SIMPLE

My small business is dependent on local customers.

CONTEXTUAL

The success of this project is entirely dependent on whether we receive the funding by next week.

COMPLEX

The island's economy remains heavily dependent on tourism, leaving it vulnerable to any sudden shifts in global travel trends.

Last updated April 22, 2026