What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dependence
Example
She has a dependence on caffeine to start her day. [dependence: noun]
Example
He is dependent on his medication to manage his chronic pain. [dependent: adjective]
addiction
Example
He has an addiction to gambling and has lost all his savings. [addiction: noun]
Example
She is addicted to nicotine and has tried to quit several times. [addicted: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Addiction is a more commonly used term in everyday language, especially when referring to substance abuse. Dependence is a more technical term often used in medical or therapeutic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dependence and addiction?
Dependence is generally considered a more formal term than addiction, which is often used in informal or colloquial settings.
