interdependence

noun

in·​ter·​de·​pen·​dence ˌin-tər-di-ˈpen-dən(t)s How to pronounce interdependence (audio)
variants or interdependency
plural interdependences or interdependencies
1
: the state of being dependent upon one another : mutual dependence
interdependence of the two nations' economies
… a form of symbiosis, of close mutual interdependence of two species of organisms.Marston Bates
… the deep psychological interdependence between ourselves and those we love.Judith A. Savage
… understood the interdependence of mental, physical, and spiritual health.Donald N. Levine
But plants happen to grow in these little universes we call ecosystems, where they are sustained by complex webs of interdependency with fungi, microbes, animals, and other plants.Kenneth Brower
2
: a mutually dependent relationship
Growing global interdependencies further muddy the debate, making it harder to know who "we" are and what "our" national interests really are.Peter H. Schuck
There are complex interdependences among these factors …Victor H. Benenberg

Examples of interdependence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Their interdependence and estrangement are conveyed through shifts from digital-fantasy imagery to realism, both illustrating the emotional impact of opposing dreamlike or conscious perceptions. Armond White, National Review, 15 Jan. 2025 This interconnection and interdependence of human, animal and environmental health are captured by the term One Health. Ari Daniel, NPR, 12 Jan. 2025 For supply chains, where interdependence and collaboration are key, fostering cognitive diversity can be a game-changer. Scott Hutcheson, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025 Hope is the Most Powerful Motivator The reason has to do with a sense of interdependence, which is easily felt in the context of a pay-it-forward model. Matthew Scogin, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for interdependence 

Word History

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of interdependence was in 1817

Dictionary Entries Near interdependence

Cite this Entry

“Interdependence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interdependence. Accessed 26 Jan. 2025.

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