codependent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "codependent" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a relationship where one person is overly reliant on another, often in a way that is unhealthy or dysfunctional. Example: "Their codependent relationship made it difficult for either of them to pursue their own interests and goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Characteristics of codependent persons include low self-esteem, an unreasonably high need for approval and affection, and denial both of their own personal needs and of problems within the family.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Codependent persons tend to enter relationships that are unstable and that leave them vulnerable to exploitation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Days of Wine and Roses, American film drama, released in 1962, about the ravaging effect of alcoholism on a young, codependent couple played by Jack Lemmon and Lee Remick.

Encyclopedia Britannica

You can't be a codependent and be a great gymnast.

The New Yorker

What at first looks like a pair of lovers is, in fact, a pathologically codependent mother and son.

The New Yorker

This was nothing new for Don, as Stan pointed out to Peggy, who was at once Don's professional mentee and his designated workplace codependent.

The New Yorker

Dogs who love too much, codependent dogs, or clingy, pathetic dogs are not reproved.

The New Yorker

Supposedly, it was a cheerier occasion, and there was a brightness to Catherine that has now been overcast by her fug of grief; yet even then the mood was brittle, with Virginia looking at the happy couple and declaring, "You seem cripplingly codependent".

The New Yorker

Her other roles for Mabou Mines included Madame Curie in "Dead End Kids" (1980), the company's signature evocation of a nuclear holocaust, and the abused, sexually codependent butcher of Franz Xaver Kroetz's "Through the Leaves" (1984).

The New York Times

Simmons's relationship with ESPN might be described as dysfunctionally codependent: the Worldwide Leader in Sports needs the byline of America's most prominent sportswriter; America's most prominent sportswriter needs the platform of the Worldwide Leader in Sports.

The New York Times - Magazine

Still, the job allowed her to get out of her husband's codependent shadow and develop a more authentic aura of inevitability.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about relationships, consider whether "codependent" accurately captures the nuances. Sometimes, alternatives like "mutually dependent" or "interdependent" may be more appropriate depending on the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid labeling relationships as "codependent" simply because individuals rely on each other. True codependency involves an unhealthy level of reliance and often includes enabling behavior or a sacrifice of one's own needs for another's.

Linguistic Context

The term "codependent" functions primarily as an adjective to describe a relationship or individual exhibiting excessive emotional or psychological reliance on another. It often implies an unhealthy dynamic where one person's needs are consistently sacrificed for the other's, as illustrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

38%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "codependent" is an adjective used to describe an unhealthy relationship dynamic characterized by excessive reliance and enabling behavior. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While originating from therapeutic settings, its usage has broadened into news, media, and general discussions. When using the term, ensure the context accurately reflects an imbalanced relationship and consider more neutral alternatives like "mutually dependent" when appropriate. Avoid casually labeling normal interdependence as codependency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

codependency

Functions as a noun form of the adjective to describe the concept of codependency in more general terms.

mutually dependent

Emphasizes the reciprocal nature of the dependence, where both parties rely on each other.

interdependent

Highlights the reliance of entities or people on each other for success or survival.

enmeshed

Describes a relationship where boundaries are blurred and individuals are overly involved in each other's lives.

dysfunctionally dependent

Explicitly points out that the dependence is causing problems or is not healthy.

in a symbiotic relationship

Refers to a relationship where both parties benefit from their dependence on each other, sometimes to an extreme degree.

overly attached

Indicates an unhealthy level of emotional attachment and reliance on another person.

clingy

Implies a neediness and unwillingness to be apart, indicating a strong dependence.

parasitic

Suggests that one party benefits at the expense of the other in a dependent relationship.

dependent personality

Refers to a recognized personality disorder characterized by a pervasive need to be taken care of.

FAQs

How can "codependent" be used in a sentence?

"Codependent" is typically used to describe relationships where one person is excessively reliant on another, often to a detrimental extent. For example, "Their "codependent relationship" made it difficult for either of them to pursue their own interests."

What are some alternatives to saying someone is "codependent"?

Depending on the specific context, you can use alternatives like "mutually dependent", "interdependent", or "overly attached".

What distinguishes a "codependent" relationship from a healthy, interdependent relationship?

While interdependent relationships involve a healthy reliance on each other, "codependent relationships" are characterized by an excessive emotional or psychological reliance, often leading to enabling behaviors and a neglect of one's own needs.

Is "codependent" always used in a negative context?

Yes, "codependent" generally carries a negative connotation. It describes a relationship dynamic that is considered unhealthy and often leads to personal distress for the individuals involved. Describing someone as "mutually dependent" may be a more neutral alternative.