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dependency Meaning & Definition

di-ˈpen-dən(t)-sē

What Does Dependency Mean?

As a noun, dependency means dependence. It can also mean something that is dependent on something else.

Dependency at a Glance

Part of speechnoun
Pronunciation/di-ˈpen-dən(t)-sē/
Syllables4
Synonymsaddiction, dependence and dependance
Antonymsindependence, independency and self-dependence
Pluraldependencies
First known use1594

Dependency Definition (Noun)

  1. dependence
  2. something that is dependent on something else
  3. a territorial unit under the jurisdiction of a nation but not formally annexed by it
  4. a building (such as a stable) that is an adjunct to a main dwelling

Synonyms of Dependency

Dependency synonyms and antonyms →

Antonyms of Dependency

Dependency in a Sentence

Frank's sullen dependency was driving his father nuts.

In the United States' governmental structure, the military is conceived as a dependency under the executive branch.

This library has dependencies on a lot of other libraries. We have to compile all of those other libraries first.

One of this library's dependencies is very finicky. It can be hard to get it to compile on some systems.

she was concerned about his heavy dependency on coffee to get him moving in the morning

Word Forms & Grammar

de·pen·den·cies

dependencies

dependency

dependency (countable and uncountable, plural dependencies)

Words That Rhyme With Dependency

Origin of Dependency

Origin 1: depend(ent):1 + -ency

Origin 2: From dependent +‎ -cy or dependence +‎ -y or depend +‎ -ency.

First Known Use

1594

Pronouncing Dependency

You say dependency as /di-ˈpen-dən(t)-sē/. It has 4 syllables, with the main stress on the second syllable (pen).

Frequently Asked Questions About Dependency

What part of speech is dependency?

Dependency is a noun.

What is another word for dependency?

Close synonyms of dependency are addiction, dependence and dependance. See the full list of dependency synonyms and antonyms.

What is the opposite of dependency?

Antonyms of dependency include independence, independency, self-dependence and self-reliance.

What is the plural of dependency?

The plural of dependency is dependencies.

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