dependency

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'dependency' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use the term to refer to a state of reliance upon or being controlled by someone or something else. For example, "The company's success is dependent upon the hard work of its employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sheila Scott, chief executive of the National Care Association, which represents many smaller care home providers, said care costs could in many instances be approaching two-thirds of total fees because of the growing dependency of people entering residential care.

The Guardian

Labour will promise a cross-government approach to end what it calls the "chaos of food policy" under the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition, and will say that a Labour administration will make tackling food bank dependency a specific ministerial responsibility.

The Guardian

I have a strong desire to get rid of programs that create dependency in able-bodied people".

The Guardian - Opinion

Depression, divorce and dependency can engulf even old hands – and when Kennedy was elected, he was a 23-year-old from a remote Scottish farming community who'd only been to London twice before.

The Guardian - Opinion

The humanities' dependency on the monograph for the shaping and sharing of scholarship means that scholars – and publishers – should be paying attention.

The Guardian

If most "slums" don't enjoy adequate infrastructure, it is not because it is technically difficult or even expensive, but rather because there is a deliberate will to keep certain neighbourhoods in a state of precariousness and political dependency.

The Guardian

Conservative politicians such as Paul Ryan suggested such programs turned the welfare safety net into "a hammock that lulls able-bodied people to lives of dependency and complacency" or even, a "poverty trap".

The Guardian - Business

If we can convince them and the wider development community that not only does financial inclusion enable other goals but that it also potentially contributes to raising domestic resources and reducing aid dependency we are on to a winner.

The Guardian

And as with Scotland, whether fairly or not, there is a widely shared idea of the party keeping its post-industrial core vote in a state of subsistence-level dependency, while never giving any serious thought to how politics and economics might be reinvented in their interests.

The Guardian

The great thing was that he found that he was liberated, not just from his own very inadequate powers of speech but from dependency on everyone else because he could speak again – albeit with an American voice.

The Guardian

But despite these findings, mindfulness isn't appropriate for some patient groups as Dr Christina Surawy, a clinical psychologist, warns: "MBCT isn't suitable for patients who are in the grip of a drug or alcohol dependency, as they won't be able to fully engage with the therapy.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "dependency", be specific about what is dependent on what. Clearly state both the dependent entity and the entity it relies upon to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "dependency" and "dependence" are often used interchangeably, "dependence" is generally preferred in formal contexts and when referring to a state of relying on something. Reserve "dependency" for broader concepts or when describing a system of reliance.

Linguistic Context

The noun "dependency" functions primarily as a descriptor of a state or condition of being reliant on something or someone. This is evident from Ludwig's examples, showcasing its use in various contexts, from economic reliance to personal addiction. It's used to define relationships and conditions of needing support or resources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "dependency" is a frequently used noun that describes a state or condition of relying on someone or something else. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and applicable across a range of contexts. While often interchangeable with "dependence", the former often describes a more systemic network of reliance. The examples pulled from Ludwig demonstrate its prevalence in "news & media", "formal & business", and "science" contexts. When using "dependency", it's crucial to specify the relationship and clearly define the entities involved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dependence

A direct synonym, differing only in spelling preference (American vs. British English).

reliance

Focuses specifically on the act of depending on someone or something.

reliance on

Highlights the act of relying on a specific resource or entity.

interdependence

Highlights a mutual reliance between two or more entities.

being contingent on

Stresses that something is conditional and depends on another factor.

subordination

Emphasizes a hierarchical relationship where one entity is lower in rank or importance.

subjection

Implies a state of being under the control or power of another.

vulnerability

Emphasizes the susceptibility to harm or negative consequences due to reliance.

addiction

Specifically refers to a compulsive physiological or psychological need for a substance or behavior.

obligation

Stresses a moral or legal duty to depend on something or someone.

FAQs

How can I use "dependency" in a sentence?

The term "dependency" is used to describe a state of relying on someone or something else. For instance, you could say, "The project's success hinges on the team's "reliance" on effective communication."

What are some alternatives to the word "dependency"?

Depending on the context, you can use words like ""reliance"", "dependence", or "subordination" as alternatives to "dependency".

Is there a difference between "dependency" and "dependence"?

While often used interchangeably, "dependence" generally refers to the state of relying on something, whereas "dependency" can also describe a system or relationship of reliance. Use "dependence" when referring to a general state of "reliance", and "dependency" to a broader, more systemic context.

In what situations is the word "dependency" most appropriate?

The word "dependency" is most appropriate when describing a system or network of reliance, such as "economic dependency" or "software "interdependence"". Use it when you want to emphasize the interconnectedness of relying factors.