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Glite Dictionary
overdependent

overdependent

1 4.7
Needing help from other people or things too much
  • adjective
  • /ˌoʊvərdɪˈpɛndənt/
translation icon : dependiente en exceso
  • In relationships, being overdependent on a partner can lead to feelings of insecurity.

You're going to raise an either overdependent or rebellious child.

Examples

  • The opposite of self-reliance is overdependence upon others: one is overdependent if one requires or demands the assistance or support of others in order to function or to be comfortable.

    Academic text (1990)

  • The Slieveardagh case study reveals the hazards for all peripheral economies of becoming overdependent on bulk exports of primary products.

    Academic text (1999)

  • Social critic Barbara Ehrenreich, who calls herself a "recovering statist," says progressives in the past were uniformly overdependent on federal and state programs.

    Academic text (2000)

  • But on the other hand, it is not only overtly overdependent behaviors that are explained in these terms, but also certain types of more "withdrawn" and "distant" personalities (e.g., "schizoid" and some narcissistic types).

    Academic text (1990)

  • Therefore, school phobia is a result of this overdependent relationship and is actually a fear of leaving home rather than a fear of any specific aspect of school (Berry & Lizardi, 1985; Brulle, McIntyre, & Mills, 1985).

    Academic text (1993)

  • Many people are overdependent on their smartphones for daily tasks.

  • The child became overdependent on her parents, seeking their guidance for every decision.

Synonyms

needy
vsoverdependent
52 2.7

Always wanting a lot of attention and comfort from others

refers to dependence for support help or guidance rather than emotional attention
clingy
vsoverdependent
  • Informal
27 4.8

Needing a lot of attention and not liking to be left alone

focuses on practical reliance for support help or guidance rather than emotion
codependent
vsoverdependent
  • Specialized
6 7.3

Relying too much on another person in a relationship in an unhealthy way

emphasizes one-sided overreliance on someone or something for support
overreliant
vsoverdependent
5.6

Trusting one person or thing too much

focuses on excessive reliance for support, help, or guidance

Antonyms

independent
984 2.3

Not controlled by others

self-reliant
13 4.5

Able to act and decide without help from others

How Dependent

overdependent
1 4.7
dependent
182 2.8
independent
984 2.3

Surface Forms

overdependent positive

Morphology

overdependent = dependent (transparent) = over + dependent

The adjective is formed by adding the productive prefix 'over-' (meaning 'too much') to the familiar adjective 'dependent', yielding the straightforward meaning 'too reliant'.

Etymology

Overdependent starts with over- meaning 'too much' and the part depend comes from an old word meaning 'hang down'. So, to be overdependent is like 'hanging too much' on someone or something for help or support.