Word
reliance
Phoneticsre·liance
US/ɹiˈɫaɪəns/
UK/ɹɪlˈaɪəns/
Definitions
01dependence
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the state of needing someone or something to help you or to work correctly.
n. the condition of being dependent on someone or something for support, survival, or functioning.
“The country's reliance on imported oil makes it vulnerable to price changes.”
“The company's heavy reliance on a single supplier proved disastrous when the factory overseas was forced to close unexpectedly.”
Usage
Usually followed by the preposition 'on' or 'upon'.
Pitfall
His reliance for his parents is too high.
His reliance on his parents is too high.
The noun reliance is almost always followed by the preposition 'on'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02trust
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal
n. the act of trusting or having confidence in someone or something.
n. the act of placing trust or confidence in a person, system, or promise.
“You can place total reliance on his word; he never breaks a promise.”
“The legal system requires a high degree of public reliance on the impartiality of the judiciary to function effectively.”
Usage
Often used with the verbs 'place' or 'put'.
Synonyms
03a source of support
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Archaic · Literary
n. a person or thing that you can depend on for help.
n. a person or thing that serves as a ground of trust or a source of support.
“For many years, his older brother was his main reliance in times of trouble.”
“In the absence of a formal pension, the small family farm remained their sole reliance for their later years.”
Teaching tip
This sense is rare in modern speech; learners will mostly encounter it in 19th-century literature.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “reliance” in context.
Noun
01. reliance on
“The country is trying to reduce its heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels.”
noun + prep
Real-World Examples
“They work best as "a first- and last-mile solution" in urban areas, to reduce reliance on cars for short trips.” “But she is clear enough about Trump’s reliance on complaisant big media.” 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.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
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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