English Reference
Noun

dependant

n.
C1 Advanced UK /dɪpˈɛndənt/ de·pen·dant UK spelling dependants

n.a person who relies on someone else for their money or support. You use this word when talking about someone who cannot survive or live independently without another person.

n.a person who relies on another for financial support or maintenance. Often used in legal or social security contexts to describe individuals who are financially dependent on a primary earner.


SIMPLE

The company provides health insurance for all dependants of its employees.

CONTEXTUAL

After the accident, the family's financial situation became very difficult because the primary earner was no longer able to work and support his dependants.

COMPLEX

The legal framework must account for the specific needs of dependants when determining the appropriate level of compensation following a tragic loss of income.

The applicants are also seeking certification of a class action involving survivors who were shot and dependants of those killed.

Al Jazeera· 9 Sept 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated