Dependent: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when referring to someone or something that requires support or assistance from someone else. It often has a broad application, including financial, emotional, or any other kind of support.

• Children are usually dependent on their parents for financial support.
• The plant is dependent on sunlight to grow.

Use when emphasizing trust or dependence particularly in situations where someone regularly depends on a certain thing or person.

• Many elderly people are reliant on social services for their daily needs.
• The small town is heavily reliant on tourism for its economy.

Use in the context of trust or dependence, similar to 'reliant', but it often implies a more specific instance or past event.

• She relied on her friends to help her through a difficult time.
• The company relied on outdated software for too long.

Use this phrase when indicating that someone or something is affected by or prone to a particular influence or condition, often when there is little control over it.

• The schedule is subject to change depending on weather conditions.
• Employees are subject to random drug testing at this company.

Appropriate when describing someone who relies on someone else for support or help, usually in a neutral or formal context.

• Children are dependent on their parents for food and shelter.
• The project is dependent on timely funding.

Similar to 'dependent', but often used in a more positive or neutral way, emphasizing trust and confidence in someone or something.

• She is reliant on her friends for emotional support.
• The company is heavily reliant on technology to succeed.

Used when someone has an uncontrollable need or habit, often with a negative connotation, especially concerning substances or behaviors.

• She became addicted to painkillers after her surgery.
• He is addicted to video games and spends all his free time playing them.

Describes someone who is overly dependent on another person for attention and affection, often with a negative or informal tone.

• Her clingy behavior is pushing her friends away.
• He's so clingy that he calls his girlfriend every hour.

Used when describing someone who relies on someone else for support or aid. It can also mean something that is determined or influenced by another factor.

• Children are often dependent on their parents for basic needs
• The decision is dependent on the results of the study

Used to describe someone who is lower in rank or position. It often appears in hierarchical settings such as workplaces or military contexts.

• The manager assigned the task to a subordinate
• In the army, subordinates follow the orders of their superiors

Used when describing someone who is excessively willing to serve or obey others. It has a negative connotation, implying inferiority or submissiveness.

• He had a subservient manner around his boss
• The assistant was overly subservient, always agreeing without question

Used when something is true or happens only if certain conditions are met. Commonly seen in formal or technical contexts.

• Her admission to the club is conditional upon her passing the interview
• The payment is conditional on the completion of the project