dependency
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
a situation where you need someone or something to help you or to work correctly.
the state of being dependent on or controlled by someone or something else.
Simple“The small island's dependency on tourism makes it vulnerable during the winter months.”
In context“The economic dependency of the satellite states on the central government created a fragile system that collapsed once subsidies were withdrawn.”
SynonymsreliancesubordinationAntonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
a physical or mental need for a drug, alcohol, or a specific habit.
a state of physiological or psychological need for a habit-forming substance.
Simple“He sought medical help to overcome his dependency on sleeping pills.”
In context“Long-term chemical dependency often requires a combination of clinical detoxification and sustained psychological support to prevent relapse.”
- 03 C1 Advanced
a piece of software or a file that another program needs in order to run.
a software component, library, or module that is required by another piece of software to function correctly.
Simple“Before you can install the game, you must download a few dependencies first.”
In context“The build failed because the compiler could not resolve a version conflict between two shared dependencies in the project manifest.”
UsageOften used in the plural when referring to a list of required libraries.
Synonyms - 04 C1 Advanced
a country or area that is controlled by another, more powerful country.
a territory or colony that is subject to the jurisdiction of an external power but not formally annexed.
Simple“The region remains a British overseas dependency with its own local government.”
In context“The constitutional status of the dependency was debated in the international court, as the local population sought greater self-determination.”
“Long-term use of the drugs can also result in dependency; users find they rely on it for any social situation.”
“Every week, Annette Deao, a drug dependency counselor, sits in the county jail and offers incarcerated people in rural Ohio a chance at recovery.”
From dependent + -cy or dependence + -y or depend + -ency.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.