excessive dependence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "excessive dependence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone relies too much on something or someone else, often implying a negative connotation. Example: "The excessive dependence on technology can lead to a lack of critical thinking skills among students."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr Putin's plan to wean the economy off its excessive dependence on natural resources depends on fixing these failings, but it is not yet clear that he has either the will or the ability to deliver.How can the West help?By changing attitudes, without changing demands.

The Economist

One such leak is the loss of energy dollars because of poorly insulated buildings, car-dependent and poorly planned transportation systems, inefficient municipal services or excessive dependence on energy from other places.

Huffington Post

Rather, it is the excessive dependence of a welcoming liberal order that benefits many countries, autocracies included, on America.

The New York Times

The economy is, as the leaders acknowledge, seriously unbalanced, with excessive dependence on investment in property construction, infrastructure and exports.

The Guardian - Opinion

Global agriculture's excessive dependence on fossil fuel inputs means food prices are invariably linked to oil price spikes.

The Guardian

Carver's efforts had finally helped liberate the South from its excessive dependence on cotton.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Another is our excessive dependence on the Calabrian 'Ndrangheta for wholesale cocaine supplies.

The Economist

The flaws include relatively weak capital reserves, excessive dependence on investment banking and a tarnished reputation.

The New York Times

That crisis was caused by Asia's excessive dependence on foreign capital.

The Economist

Jerome's Bethlehem commentaries suffer at times from hasty composition, excessive dependence on his predecessors, and a predilection for allegorical interpretation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Their leaders were assured that a shift to renewable energy would help them avoid excessive dependence on imports.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic writing, provide clear definitions and examples when discussing "excessive dependence" to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Be careful not to use "excessive dependence" when you actually mean interdependence, which implies a mutually beneficial relationship. "Excessive dependence" suggests a negative imbalance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "excessive dependence" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It identifies a state of being overly reliant on something, typically implying a negative connotation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

26%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "excessive dependence" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes an over-reliance on something, typically with negative implications. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability. It appears most often in news and media, science, and encyclopedia contexts. When using the phrase, be mindful of the potential for misinterpretation and ensure clarity by quantifying or providing specific examples. Alternative phrases like "undue reliance" or "over-reliance" can be used to achieve the same meaning. The phrase is valuable for expressing concern about vulnerabilities, risks, or imbalances in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

undue reliance

Replaces "dependence" with "reliance", emphasizing the act of relying too much.

over-reliance

This single word encapsulates the meaning of excessive reliance on something.

inordinate dependence

Substitutes "excessive" with "inordinate", indicating an unreasonable or disproportionate level.

over-dependence

A variant that uses a hyphen for clarity, still implying too much reliance.

excessive reliance on

Adds "on" for grammatical context, maintaining the core meaning.

unwarranted dependence

Indicates that the dependence is not justified or necessary.

disproportionate reliance

Highlights the imbalance in reliance.

unreasonable dependence

Focuses on the lack of reason behind the dependence.

exaggerated dependence

Emphasizes that the dependence is amplified beyond what is reasonable.

over-subscription

While different contextually, it shares the concept of being overly committed or reliant on something.

FAQs

How can I use "excessive dependence" in a sentence?

You can use "excessive dependence" to describe situations where someone or something relies too heavily on another, such as "The country's "excessive dependence" on oil exports makes it vulnerable to price fluctuations."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "excessive dependence"?

Alternatives include "over-reliance", "undue reliance", and "inordinate dependence", all conveying a similar meaning of relying too much on something.

Is it better to use "excessive dependence" or "excessive reliance"?

Both "excessive dependence" and "excessive reliance" are grammatically correct and convey the same core meaning. The choice often depends on stylistic preference or context.

What is the difference between "dependence" and "interdependence"?

"Dependence" implies relying on something else, while "interdependence" suggests a mutual reliance between two or more things. For example, excessive dependence on a single supplier is a risk, whereas interdependence among global economies is a reality.