noun · 10 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Pronunciation
Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.
UK:/dɪˈpɛndənsi/
US:Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
CMU ARPABET:D IH0 P EH1 N D AH0 N S IY0
Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.
1
noun
Meaning 1
A state of dependence; a refusal to exercise initiative.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Examples
Frank's sullen dependency was driving his father nuts.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
2
noun
Meaning 2
Something dependent on, or subordinate to, something else
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Examples
In the United States' governmental structure, the military is conceived as a dependency under the executive branch.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
3
noun
Meaning 3
The status of being a legal dependent; the relationship between a dependent and their provider.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
4
noun
Meaning 4
A colony, or a territory subject to rule by an external power.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
