- 1needing someone or something in order to survive or be successful a woman with several dependent children dependent on/upon somebody/something You can't be dependent on your parents all your life. dependent on/upon somebody/something for something The festival is heavily dependent on sponsorship for its success.
- 2dependent on/upon something addicted to something (= unable to stop taking or using it) to be dependent on drugs
- 3dependent on/upon something (formal) affected or decided by something A child's development is dependent on many factors. The price is dependent on how many extras you choose.
Check pronunciation: dependent