Meaning & use
interdependency
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Meaning
nouncountable or uncountable
A situation in which two or more people, groups, or things depend on each other.
Grammar: Can be countable (an interdependency) or uncountable (interdependency); often used with 'between' or 'of'.
Patterns
- interdependency between A and B
- the interdependency of A and B
- economic interdependency
Global trade creates interdependency between countries.
The interdependency of plants and pollinators is essential for food production.
Their relationship was marked by a deep interdependency that made separation difficult.
Word forms
| plural | interdependencies |
|---|
Common combinations
- economic interdependency
- Economic interdependency means that a recession in one country can affect its trading partners.
- interdependency between
- There is a strong interdependency between the two departments.
- mutual interdependency
- The alliance is based on mutual interdependency and shared interests.
- complex interdependency
- Modern supply chains involve complex interdependencies.
Synonyms and how they differ
- interdependence
- The more common form; 'interdependency' is slightly more formal and often used in academic writing.
- mutual dependence
- A phrase that spells out the meaning; 'interdependency' is more concise.
- reliance
- Often suggests one-sided dependence, while 'interdependency' implies both sides rely on each other.
Opposites
Word family
- interdependent adjective
- Depending on each other.
- interdependently adverb
- In a way that shows mutual dependence.
- depend verb
- To need or rely on someone or something.
- dependence noun
- The state of needing support from someone or something.
Commonly confused: interdependency or interdependence?
interdependency vs interdependence
These are synonyms, but 'interdependence' is far more common; 'interdependency' is often used in academic or technical contexts.
Practice
The ______ between the two countries means that a change in one economy quickly affects the other.
Choose one answer.
The sentence needs a noun to refer to the mutual dependence; 'interdependency' fits. 'Independency' is a rare word meaning independence, which is the opposite. 'Dependently' is an adverb, and 'interdependent' is an adjective, so they do not fit grammatically.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “interdependency”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.