dependency
n.-
1 reliance on something (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatea 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.
ExampleThe small island's dependency on tourism makes it vulnerable during the winter months.
ExampleThe economic dependency of the satellite states on the central government created a fragile system that collapsed once subsidies were withdrawn.
- reliance
- subordination
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2 addiction (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Medicinea physical or mental need for a drug, alcohol, or a specific habit.
a state of physiological or psychological need for a habit-forming substance.
ExampleHe sought medical help to overcome his dependency on sleeping pills.
ExampleLong-term chemical dependency often requires a combination of clinical detoxification and sustained psychological support to prevent relapse.
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3 computing requirement (n.) C1 Advanced Technical Computinga 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.
ExampleBefore you can install the game, you must download a few dependencies first.
ExampleThe 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.
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4 a territory (n.) C1 Advanced Formala 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.
ExampleThe region remains a British overseas dependency with its own local government.
ExampleThe constitutional status of the dependency was debated in the international court, as the local population sought greater self-determination.
- sovereign state
From dependent + -cy or dependence + -y or depend + -ency.