Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Contingent upon, conditional on: Requiring the existence, occurrence, or presence of something else as a prior condition or circumstance. It describes a state where one thing is directly influenced or controlled by another.

Usage

• The adjective phrase dependent on is used to show that the subject's state, success, or existence relies on a specific condition, factor, or person.
• It is typically followed by a noun, pronoun, or gerund (the -ing form of a verb used as a noun).
• It can describe plans, outcomes, feelings, or situations.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • Our picnic is dependent on the weather. (The picnic will only happen if the weather is good.)
  • The child is still dependent on her parents for financial support. (The child requires her parents' support.)
  • The success of the project is dependent on securing more funding. (The project's success requires more funding first.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be heavily/directly/entirely dependent on": These adverbs intensify the degree of reliance.
  • The country's economy is heavily dependent on tourism.
• "to become/grow dependent on": This structure describes the process of developing a reliance.
  • Patients can become dependent on certain pain medications.

Variants and Related Words

• Dependent (adj): Relying on someone or something else. (Often followed by 'on' or 'upon').
  • A dependent clause.
• Dependence (n): The state of being dependent.
  • The region's dependence on a single industry is risky.
• Depend (v): To be controlled or determined by. (Used with 'on' or 'upon').
  • It depends on the cost.
• Contingent on/upon (adj): A close synonym, often used in formal or official contexts.
  • The pay raise is contingent upon performance.

Synonyms

• Contingent on: Subject to a condition being met.
• Conditional on: Only happening if something else happens first.
• Subject to: Likely or able to be affected by.
• Reliant on: Needing someone or something for support.

Related Phrases

• Dependent variable (n): In mathematics and science, a variable whose value depends on that of another (the independent variable).

Notes on Meaning

• The core meaning of dependent on involves a relationship of necessity or conditionality (A needs B to be true or to happen).
• It can have a neutral meaning (e.g., plans dependent on approval) or a negative connotation (e.g., an unhealthy dependence on a substance).

Adjective

1. determined by conditions or circumstances that follow
   • arms sales contingent on the approval of congress