Word
dependence
Phoneticsde·pen·dence, stress on the second syllable
US/dɪˈpɛndəns/
UK/dɪpˈɛndəns/
Definitions
01relying on others
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. a situation where you need help or support from someone or something else to succeed or survive.
n. the state of relying on or being controlled by someone or something else for support or survival.
日本語:依存※
“The country is trying to reduce its dependence on imported oil by using solar power.”
“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'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02addiction
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Medicine Technical
n. a physical or mental need for a drug or a specific substance.
n. a physiological or psychological habituation to a substance; a state where cessation causes withdrawal symptoms.
日本語:依存症※
“He sought medical help to overcome his dependence on painkillers after the accident.”
“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'.
Teaching tip
In modern medical English, 'dependence' is often preferred over 'addiction' because it sounds more objective and less judgmental.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “dependence” in context.
Verb
01. reduce dependence
“The government is investing in renewable energy to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels.”
verb + noun
Noun
02. dependence on
“The country's heavy dependence on tourism made it vulnerable during the global travel restrictions.”
noun + prep
Real-World Examples
“Across the pond, United Launch Alliance sought to end its dependence on Russian engines for the Atlas V rocket by migrating to the new Vulcan rocket.” “She added: “Both the Iran war and this summer’s extreme weather have shown once again why we’re better off cutting our dependence on fossil fuels.” “Overdosing on it can lead to seizures and death , while long-term use can lead to malnutrition and psychological dependence on the drug, UNODC says .” “Using sargassum as a mortar additive also helps reduce dependence on conventional, carbon-intensive materials.” Etymology
From Middle French dépendance. Morphologically depend + -ence.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/dependence
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0