Dependence/dɪˈpendəns/ Definition 1 of 4Pro Tip 1/2Emotional Weight Dependence can imply vulnerability. Use it carefully to avoid suggesting helplessness. Some adults maintain a healthy dependence on their families. Pro Tip 2/2Growing Independence Use 'growing out of dependence' to describe someone becoming self-reliant. The teenager is growing out of his dependence on his parents.