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Dependency: meaning, definitions and examples

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dependency

[ dɪˈpendənsi ]

Noun

^{Context #1 | Noun}

relationship between things

Dependency refers to the relationship between things where one thing relies on another for support, assistance, or existence. It can also refer to a state of being dependent or subordinate to something else.

Synonyms

dependence, reliance, subordination

Examples of usage

The child's dependency on their parents for food and shelter is natural.
There is a clear dependency between the two variables in this equation.
The country's economy has a heavy dependency on oil exports.
The dependency of the software on specific hardware can cause compatibility issues.
Overcoming dependency on external validation can lead to greater self-confidence.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

substance abuse

Dependency can also refer to a psychological or physical reliance on a substance, such as drugs or alcohol. It is characterized by a compulsive need for the substance and withdrawal symptoms when not consumed.

Synonyms

addiction, habituation, substance dependence

Examples of usage

He struggled with drug dependency for years before seeking help.
The clinic offers support for individuals dealing with alcohol dependency.
The first step in treating dependency is acknowledging the problem.
Dependency on painkillers can have serious consequences for one's health.
Breaking free from dependency requires strong determination and support.

Translations

Translations of the word "dependency" in other languages:

🇵🇹 dependência

🇮🇳 निर्भरता

🇩🇪 Abhängigkeit

🇮🇩 ketergantungan

🇺🇦 залежність

🇵🇱 zależność

🇯🇵 依存

🇫🇷 dépendance

🇪🇸 dependencia

🇹🇷 bağımlılık

🇰🇷 의존

🇸🇦 اعتماد

🇨🇿 závislost

🇸🇰 závislosť

🇨🇳 依赖

🇸🇮 odvisnost

🇮🇸 háð

🇰🇿 тәуелділік

🇬🇪 დამოკიდებულება

🇦🇿 asılılıq

🇲🇽 dependencia

Word origin

The word 'dependency' originated from the Latin word 'dependentia', which means 'hanging down'. It was first used in the early 17th century to describe the state of being dependent on something or someone. Over time, the term evolved to encompass various contexts, including relational dependencies and substance abuse dependencies. The concept of dependency has been studied in fields such as psychology, sociology, and economics to understand the dynamics of interdependence and reliance.