dependent
gb/dɪpˈɛndənt/ us/dɪpˈɛndənt/
B1
English
~ 2400
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B1
property
1
needing help from others
Needing another person or thing to help you or give you what you need.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is dependent on [someone/something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'dependent' with 'dependable', but 'dependable' means reliable, not needing help.
Synonyms
reliant (Often used in similar contexts but can sound slightly more formal.)
Antonyms
independent (Describes someone who does not need help or support from others.)
Collocations
dependent on parents
|dependent on alcohol
|dependent on technology
|financially dependent
|emotionally dependent
Themes
relationships
|daily life
|finance
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She is still dependent on her parents for money.
- Many elderly people are dependent on daily care.
- The project is dependent on government funding.
- He's emotionally dependent on his partner.
- Some animals are entirely dependent on their environment for survival.
Learner examples
- I am dependent on my parents for food.
- She is dependent on her brother for help.
- We are dependent on the bus to go to work.
- He is dependent on coffee in the morning.
Noun
B1
entity
2
person relying on support
Someone who needs another person to give them money or things they need to live.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'dependent' (noun) with 'dependence' (noun meaning the state of relying).
Synonyms
beneficiary (In legal or insurance contexts; may not imply daily living support.)
Antonyms
provider (Someone who gives financial or other support, opposite role to a dependent.)
Collocations
claim a dependent
|list dependents
|support a dependent
Themes
family
|law
|finance
|relationships
Examples
- She claims her two children as dependents on her tax return.
- Military personnel often receive extra benefits for each dependent.
- As his only dependent, she inherited all his property.
Learner examples
- I have two dependents, my children.
- He supports his dependents with his salary.
- The form asks how many dependents you have.
adjective
technical
B2
property
3
determined by something else
Happening only if something else happens first.
Usage pattern:
[something] is dependent on [condition/event]
Synonyms
conditional (Emphasizes that something happens only if certain conditions are met.)
Antonyms
independent (Not influenced or determined by something else.)
Collocations
dependent variable
|dependent clause
|dependent on circumstances
Themes
science
|law
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The experiment's results are dependent on accurate measurements.
- Admission is dependent on passing the entrance exam.
- The schedule is dependent on weather conditions.
Learner examples
- Our trip is dependent on the weather.
- Success is dependent on hard work.
- The plan is dependent on approval from the boss.
Grammar
Dictionary form
dependent
IPA
GB/dɪpˈɛndənt/
US/dɪpˈɛndənt/
Syllables & stress
de - pend - ent (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (pend)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: dependent
Noun
- Base: dependent
- Plural: dependents
Word family
Forms
dependents
noun
Core family
depend
verb A2
dependence
noun B1
Related words
dependency
noun B2
dependable
adjective B1
Negative and opposite forms
Advanced or less common
dependability
noun
Expressions
dependent on
1/dɪpˈɛndənt ˈɔn/
fixed phrase
needing or decided by something else
Used to say that something needs another thing or person to happen, exist, or work.
Examples
- His recovery is dependent on regular physiotherapy.
- The outcome is dependent on the weather.