What does "dependence" mean?

1. (relying on others) a situation where you need help or support from someone or something else to succeed or survive. 2. (addiction) a physical or mental need for a drug or a specific substance.

How do you use "dependence"?

Often followed by the preposition 'on' or 'upon'. Commonly used in medical and psychological contexts to distinguish from the broader social meaning of 'addiction'.

dependence

US //dɪˈpɛndəns// UK //dɪpˈɛndəns// de·pen·dence

1 relying on others (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

a situation where you need help or support from someone or something else to succeed or survive.

the state of relying on or being controlled by someone or something else for support or survival.

Example

The country is trying to reduce its dependence on imported oil by using solar power.

Example

The region's heavy dependence on a single industry made it particularly vulnerable to the sudden shifts in the global market.

Usage

Often followed by the preposition 'on' or 'upon'.
- reliance
- subservience
- independence
- self sufficiency
2 addiction (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Medicine

a physical or mental need for a drug or a specific substance.

a physiological or psychological habituation to a substance; a state where cessation causes withdrawal symptoms.

Example

He sought medical help to overcome his dependence on painkillers after the accident.

Example

Clinical researchers are investigating how genetic factors influence the speed at which a physical dependence on nicotine develops in teenagers.

Usage

Commonly used in medical and psychological contexts to distinguish from the broader social meaning of 'addiction'.

Teacher's tip

In modern medical English, 'dependence' is often preferred over 'addiction' because it sounds more objective and less judgmental.
- addiction
- habit

Origin

From Middle French dépendance. Morphologically depend + -ence.

Word family

Noundependence
Nouninterdependence