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overdependence

overdependence

1 4.8
Needing someone or something too much so it causes harm
  • noun
  • /ˌoʊvərdɪˈpɛndəns/
translation icon : dependencia excesiva
  • The mother, in turn, is thought of as fostering this overdependence by being overprotective.

The war in Ukraine has simply underscored the risk for Europe of overdependence on one frequently unfriendly energy provider.

Examples

  • California's "business flight" has roots in the state's overdependence on defense industries, the collapse of the real estate market, and the decreasing quality of life.

    Academic text (1992)
  • Overdependence on the Japanese market.

    Academic text (1990)
  • The war in Ukraine has simply underscored the risk for Europe of overdependence on one frequently unfriendly energy provider.

  • In the May Day address in 1988, he criticized overdependence on cocoa, saying, "It is unrealistic to base the development of our economy on a product whose prices are outside our control."

    Academic text (1995)
  • Such a phenomenon may be a temporary response to unusually low prices, but an overdependence on natural gas can potentially burden our energy economy and risk the reliability of our power supply in the case of future price swings.

    Blog text (21)
  • Overdependence on its bilateral relationship with the United States undermined Japan's creative diplomacy by closing off avenues to other foreign policy initiatives.

    Academic text (1991)
  • Overdependence on traditional measures utilized in screening children for gifted programs has painted a limited portrait of student accomplishment (Hiebert & Calfee, 1989).

    Academic text (1992)
  • Students often face the danger of overdependence on their tutors instead of developing their own study skills.

  • His overdependence on social media for validation negatively impacted his self-esteem.

  • The company's overdependence on a single supplier left it vulnerable during the delivery disruptions.

Synonyms

neediness
vsoverdependence
6 4.8

Needing too much attention and comfort from other people

is a broader term for excessive need that causes real harm or dysfunction
codependency
vsoverdependence
  • Specialized
3 6.8

A relationship where one person depends too much on the other and helps them keep doing harmful things

is focused on one sided harmful need rather than mutual unhealthy patterns
overreliance
vsoverdependence
1 5.2

Too much dependence on one person or thing

involves a harmful level of need that prevents coping alone
overattachment
vsoverdependence
7.8

A very strong emotional need for someone or something

is broader, describing harmful long term need rather than only strong feelings
overinvestment
vsoverdependence
7.5

Too much emotional attachment to a person, project, or outcome that causes stress

is about strong commitment risking bad judgment rather than simple support seeking
clingy behavior
vsoverdependence
4.9

Wanting too much attention and support from someone

is calmer and broader naming a harmful ongoing need rather than attention seeking

Antonyms

608 3.0

Freedom from control by others, for example when a country is free or a person supports themselves

Being able to meet your own needs without help from others

How Dependent

overdependence
1 4.8
dependence
60 3.6
independence
608 3.0

Surface Forms

Morphology

overdependence = dependence (transparent) = over + depend + ence

Formed by adding the productive prefix 'over-' (meaning excessive) to the noun 'dependence', so the meaning is directly derived.

Etymology

The word overdependence breaks into over- meaning 'too much' and depend which comes from an old root meaning 'to hang'. Think of it as 'hanging on' someone or something too much, so overdependence is relying on them so much that it becomes a problem.