Meaning & use
dependence vs dependency
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Meaning
phrasefixed phrase
A comparison of two nouns: 'dependence' (the state of needing support) and 'dependency' (a reliant person, place, or territory).
Grammar: Use 'dependence' for the abstract state; use 'dependency' for a concrete entity or a political unit.
Patterns
- dependence on something
- dependency on something
- drug dependence
- a dependency relationship
The country's dependence on oil exports makes its economy vulnerable.
The elderly woman's dependency on her caregivers increased after her surgery.
The island is a British dependency, not an independent nation.
Common combinations
- dependence on
- His dependence on painkillers worried his family.
- dependency ratio
- An aging population raises the dependency ratio.
- drug dependency
- The clinic treats people with drug dependency.
- economic dependence
- Economic dependence on a single industry is risky.
Synonyms and how they differ
- reliance
- Reliance is very close to 'dependence' but often sounds more neutral and is common in formal writing about trust or support.
- addiction
- Addiction specifically means a medical or psychological need for a substance; 'dependence' can be broader and less severe.
Opposites
Word family
- depend verb
- To need or rely on someone or something.
- dependent adjective
- Needing support from someone or something.
- dependable adjective
- Able to be trusted or relied on.
Commonly confused: dependence vs dependency or dependance?
dependence vs dependency vs dependance
'Dependance' is a rare spelling of 'dependence' but is not standard in modern English; use 'dependence'.
Practice
Which sentence correctly uses 'dependency' rather than 'dependence'?
Choose one answer.
Option B correctly uses 'dependency' to mean a territory controlled by another country. In option A, 'dependence' is more standard for a state of reliance; option C should be 'dependence on funding'; option D is not idiomatic.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “dependence vs dependency”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.