Dependencies are the essential links that show how one thing relies on another to work or finish.
Wort in 30 Sekunden
- The state of needing something else to function or succeed.
- Commonly used in software, project management, and international economics.
- Describes logical links where one task waits for another.
Overview
Dependencies represent the interconnected relationships where the success or functioning of one entity is contingent upon another. At its core, the word describes a lack of total independence. While the singular form 'dependency' often refers to a country or a psychological state, the plural 'dependencies' is frequently used in professional, technical, and economic discussions to map out how different parts of a system rely on each other.
Usage Patterns
The word is most commonly paired with the preposition 'on' (e.g., dependencies on external suppliers). In modern workflows, verbs like 'identify,' 'manage,' 'map,' and 'reduce' are frequently used alongside 'dependencies.' For instance, a project manager might say they are 'mapping the dependencies' between two different teams to ensure no one is waiting unnecessarily for work to be finished.
Common Contexts
In software development, dependencies refer to external libraries or pieces of code that a program needs to function correctly. In economics, it refers to the mutual reliance between nations for resources like energy or food. In project management, it refers to the logical relationship between tasks (e.g., you cannot paint a wall until the plaster is dry; the painting has a dependency on the drying process).
Similar Words Comparison
'Dependencies' is often confused with 'requirements.' A requirement is a necessary quality or feature that a final product must have. A dependency, however, is a relationship or an external factor that must be satisfied for progress to happen. While 'reliance' is a close synonym, 'dependencies' is more formal and structural, often used to describe systems rather than just feelings or individual habits.
Beispiele
The app won't work because some of its dependencies are missing.
everydayThe app won't work because some of its dependencies are missing.
We must identify all project dependencies before we set a final deadline.
formalWe must identify all project dependencies before we set a final deadline.
I have too many dependencies on my teammates to finish this alone.
informalI have too many dependencies on my teammates to finish this alone.
The study analyzes the economic dependencies between emerging markets and developed nations.
academicThe study analyzes the economic dependencies between emerging markets and developed nations.
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
dependency hell
a situation in software where complex dependencies make it impossible to update anything
mutual dependencies
when two parties rely on each other equally
Wird oft verwechselt mit
'Reliance' is the act of depending on someone; 'dependencies' often refers to the specific items or tasks themselves.
'Contingencies' are backup plans for possible future events; 'dependencies' are current requirements that must be met.
Grammatikmuster
How to Use It
Nutzungshinweise
In professional settings, 'dependencies' is a neutral term used for planning. However, in personal or political contexts, it can sometimes imply a weakness or a lack of self-sufficiency. It is almost always used with the preposition 'on'.
Häufige Fehler
A common mistake is using the singular 'dependency' when referring to a list of technical requirements; 'dependencies' is the standard plural for multiple items. Another error is using 'of' instead of 'on' (e.g., say 'dependencies on' not 'dependencies of').
Tips
Use for Professional Planning
Use this word when explaining why a project is delayed or what resources you need from other departments.
Don't Confuse with Dependents
A 'dependent' (noun) is a person, like a child, who relies on you for money. 'Dependencies' (noun) are the abstract relationships of reliance.
Global Economic Interdependence
In international news, 'dependencies' often refers to how countries rely on each other for energy, which is a major topic in global politics.
Wortherkunft
From the Latin 'dependere,' meaning 'to hang from' or 'be derived from.' The suffix '-encies' denotes a state or quality in plural form.
Kultureller Kontext
In Western business culture, identifying dependencies early is seen as a sign of a highly organized and competent professional. It is a core concept in 'Agile' and 'Waterfall' project management methodologies.
Merkhilfe
Think of a 'pendulum.' Just as a pendulum hangs (depends) from a fixed point, 'dependencies' are things that 'hang' on the completion of something else.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
4 FragenA circular dependency occurs when two or more items rely on each other to be finished first, creating a loop where nothing can proceed. It is a common problem in logic and software design.
Yes, but it is usually more formal. You might say 'the team's dependencies on their manager,' but in casual speech, people usually say 'reliance' or 'depending on.'
Managing dependencies involves identifying what is needed, when it is needed, and ensuring those needs are met on time to avoid delays. It is a key part of project planning.
Not necessarily. While high dependency can be a risk, dependencies are often just a natural part of complex systems where different parts work together.
Teste dich selbst
The project was delayed because we didn't account for all the ___ between the departments.
'Dependencies' is the noun form used to describe the logical links or reliance between different groups.
In a computer program, what are dependencies?
Software dependencies are external code files that the main program relies on to execute its functions.
on / our / we / reduce / need / dependencies / to / oil / foreign
The standard English word order is Subject (We) + Verb (need to reduce) + Object (our dependencies) + Prepositional Phrase (on foreign oil).
Ergebnis: /3
Summary
Dependencies are the essential links that show how one thing relies on another to work or finish.
- The state of needing something else to function or succeed.
- Commonly used in software, project management, and international economics.
- Describes logical links where one task waits for another.
Use for Professional Planning
Use this word when explaining why a project is delayed or what resources you need from other departments.
Don't Confuse with Dependents
A 'dependent' (noun) is a person, like a child, who relies on you for money. 'Dependencies' (noun) are the abstract relationships of reliance.
Global Economic Interdependence
In international news, 'dependencies' often refers to how countries rely on each other for energy, which is a major topic in global politics.
Beispiele
4 von 4The app won't work because some of its dependencies are missing.
The app won't work because some of its dependencies are missing.
We must identify all project dependencies before we set a final deadline.
We must identify all project dependencies before we set a final deadline.
I have too many dependencies on my teammates to finish this alone.
I have too many dependencies on my teammates to finish this alone.
The study analyzes the economic dependencies between emerging markets and developed nations.
The study analyzes the economic dependencies between emerging markets and developed nations.
