foster dependency

USAGE SUMMARY

"foster dependency" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to indicate a situation in which someone or a group has become reliant on or overly dependent on external support or assistance. For example, "The charity aims to reduce poverty through programs that foster self-sufficiency, rather than foster dependency on government aid."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Wouldn't that still mask the underlying problems and foster dependency?

The New York Times

It's hard to imagine a system better contrived to foster dependency, enable paranoia and promote dysfunction.

The New York Times - Books

While some parents may use loans and gifts to foster dependency among their children, others worry about creating it.

The New York Times

Many said creating jobs is much more important than outright aid, as the latter could foster dependency.

The New York Times

Dr. Carson's empty belief that welfare, Early Intervention and similar programs do nothing but foster dependency has long been disproven.

Huffington Post

Receipt of more practical support may instead indicate a need for additional assistance, signifying poorer health, as well as foster dependency and erode self-efficacy (25, 38, 39).

American Journal of Epidemiology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Other critics say the system has fostered dependency among some veterans who could work.

The New York Times

Some detractors describe the one-for-one model as a new form of colonialism that fosters dependency and ignores the deeper problems of poverty.

The Guardian

He also calls for an end to all U.S. aid to Pakistan, which he has described as a "curse" that fosters dependency.

The New Yorker

Because of the law, which requires recipients to work for their welfare checks, welfare now encourages economic and social stability instead of fostering dependency.

The New York Times

Critics reckon aid hurts its recipients by fostering dependency, propping up oppressive or incompetent regimes and pushing up the value of poor countries' currencies, thereby undermining the competitiveness of their exports.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing social programs, carefully consider whether the intention is to support temporarily or if it risks long-term reliance. Use "foster self-sufficiency" as a contrasting goal.

Common error

Avoid implementing short-term solutions without considering the long-term effects on individual independence. Ensure initiatives empower individuals instead of creating ongoing reliance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "foster dependency" functions as a verb phrase where "foster" (verb) acts upon "dependency" (noun). It describes the action of encouraging or cultivating a state of reliance.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "foster dependency" is used to describe situations where reliance on external support is encouraged, often unintentionally. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across different sources, with News & Media and Science being its primary contexts. While grammatically sound, the phrase often carries a critical connotation, suggesting potentially detrimental consequences. It is vital to consider alternative framings that emphasize empowerment and self-sufficiency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

create dependence

Directly indicates the act of bringing dependence into existence.

generate dependence

Emphasizes the creation or production of dependence as a result.

encourage reliance

Focuses on the act of encouraging, highlighting the positive intention that might be present while creating the reliance.

encourage reliance

Highlights the encouragement aspect of dependence.

facilitate dependence

Implies making it easier for dependence to occur.

promote dependence

Uses "promote" which suggests active support and furtherance of dependence.

cultivate reliance

Implies a more gradual and nurtured development of reliance.

instill dependence

Suggests implanting dependence, often implying a more forceful or deliberate action.

breed reliance

Conveys the idea that dependence is naturally arising or multiplying, often with a negative connotation.

nurture dependence

Indicates a tender and sustained effort to foster dependency.

FAQs

How can I use "foster dependency" in a sentence?

You can use "foster dependency" to describe situations where actions or policies inadvertently encourage reliance on external support, such as "The government's welfare policies inadvertently "foster dependency" among its citizens".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "foster dependency"?

Alternatives include "encourage reliance", "promote dependence", or "create dependence", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "foster dependency" a negative term?

While not inherently negative, "foster dependency" often carries a critical connotation, suggesting that reliance is being encouraged in a way that is ultimately detrimental to individual or societal well-being. Its use should be considered carefully.

What's the difference between "foster dependency" and "support independence"?

"Foster dependency" implies encouraging reliance on external support, while "support independence" suggests promoting self-sufficiency and autonomy. They are near opposites, with distinct implications for long-term outcomes.