# dependant

/dɪpˈɛndənt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dependant
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The company provides health insurance for all dependants of its employees.
- 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.
- The legal framework must account for the specific needs of dependants when determining the appropriate level of compensation following a tragic loss of income.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.