Meaning & use
overdependent
Last updated
UK/ˌəʊvədɪˈpendənt/
US/ˌoʊvərdɪˈpendənt/
Meaning
adjectivenot comparable
relying on someone or something too much, in a way that is not healthy or helpful
Grammar: Not usually used with 'more' or 'most'. Followed by 'on': overdependent on someone.
Patterns
- overdependent on someone
- overdependent on something
- be overdependent on
He is overdependent on his parents for money.
The economy is overdependent on oil exports.
Children can become overdependent on their phones.
Common combinations
- overdependent on someone
- She is overdependent on her partner for emotional support.
- overdependent on something
- The country is overdependent on foreign aid.
- become overdependent
- Teenagers can become overdependent on social media.
Synonyms and how they differ
- reliant
- Neutral; it does not imply too much reliance, just dependence.
- clingy
- Informal and emotional; often used for people who are too attached, but not for systems or economies.
Opposites
Word family
- depend verb
- To need someone or something for support.
- dependent adjective
- Needing someone or something; not necessarily too much.
- dependence noun
- The state of needing someone or something.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'overdependent' correctly?
Choose one answer.
The correct preposition is 'on': overdependent on someone. Option B is correct. The other prepositions do not fit this adjective.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “overdependent”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.
Your sentence stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.