English Reference

Word

independence

Phoneticsin·de·pen·dence, stress on the third syllable

US/ˌɪndɪˈpɛndəns/

UK/ˌɪndɪpˈɛndəns/

Definitions

01political freedom

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun

n. the freedom of a country to govern itself and not be ruled by another country.

n. the status of a nation-state that exercises self-government and holds sovereignty over its own territory.

“The country celebrated fifty years of independence from colonial rule last week.”

“The declaration of independence marked a definitive break from the imperial power, establishing a new framework for national governance.”

Usage

Often used with the preposition 'from'.

02personal self-reliance

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun

n. the ability to live your life and make your own decisions without needing help or money from others.

n. the quality of being self-reliant or self-sufficient in one's personal, financial, or professional life.

“Moving into his own apartment gave him a new sense of independence.”

“Financial independence allows individuals to pursue career paths based on personal interest rather than immediate economic necessity.”

Synonyms

self-relianceself-sufficiency

Antonyms

reliancesubservience

03impartiality

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal · Academic

n. the state of not being influenced by others when making a judgment or doing a job.

n. the quality of being objective and not influenced by vested interests or external pressure.

“The committee was chosen for its independence from the main political parties.”

“The central bank's independence is crucial for maintaining public trust in the country's monetary policy and inflation targets.”

Antonyms

biaspartiality

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “independence” in context.

Verb

01. cherish your independence

“Living alone can be lonely, but many people cherish their independence.”

verb + possessive + noun

02. declare independence

“The region decided to declare independence from the central government last year.”

verb + noun

03. gain independence

“The colony fought for many years before it finally managed to gain independence.”

verb + noun

Adjective

04. fierce independence

“Her fierce independence meant she rarely asked anyone for help with her problems.”

adj + noun

05. financial independence

“Working a part-time job helped the student achieve financial independence.”

adj + noun

Noun

06. declaration of independence

“The leaders signed the formal declaration of independence during the ceremony.”

noun + of + noun

07. spirit of independence

“The school encourages a spirit of independence in all its pupils.”

noun + of + noun

Preposition

08. struggle for independence

“The history book details the long and difficult struggle for independence.”

noun + prep + noun

Real-World Examples

“Davison says every trip now requires careful planning, which can make her feel isolated and limits both her work and independence.”
BBC News 11 Aug 2026
“She said she wanted to return in December because it marked Bangladesh’s “month of victory”, commemorating Pakistan’s defeat in the 1971 independence war.”
The Guardian 6 Aug 2026
“Many fear losing their independence if they agree to care workers looking after them.”
The Guardian 4 Aug 2026
“It was not a political book, but the pair are strong supporters of Scottish independence, believing Scotland should be given a chance to succeed on its own merits.”
The Guardian 28 Jul 2026

Word family

NOUN

independence(B2)

This entry

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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Common
Level
B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
Updated

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