What does interdependent mean?
Interdependent describes things that depend on one another, rather than relying on an outside source alone. The word is especially useful for discussing systems, economies, ecosystems, organizations, and personal or international relationships. It conveys that the parts or parties are connected through mutual support and influence: a change affecting one may also affect the others. In everyday use, interdependent relationships are often presented as normal and sometimes advantageous, because cooperation can create stability and strength. However, the term can also suggest vulnerability, since disruption to one part may spread through the whole network. The adjective is commonly paired with words such as relationship, systems, parts, economies, and communities, and is normally used in formal or analytical contexts.
adjectiveMutually dependent; involving or requiring dependence on one another. It describes relationships, systems, or parts in which each relies on the others for support, function, or meaning.
- Mutually dependent; involving or requiring dependence on one another.
"The two organizations have developed an interdependent relationship, relying on each other for expertise and resources."
"The health of the ecosystem depends on the interdependence of plants, animals, and microorganisms."
"The two countries signed an agreement recognizing their economically interdependent future."
Interdependent systems are stronger together than apart: when every part relies on every other part, cooperation becomes the key to survival.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does interdependent come from?
Interdependent combines the Latin prefix inter-, meaning “between” or “among,” with dependent, which comes through French from Latin dependere, “to hang from” or “rely upon.” The word therefore originally conveys dependence among parts or people. Related English forms include depend, dependent, dependence, and dependency, all sharing the Latin root pendere, “to hang” or “suspend.”
Related word forms
How interdependent is actually used
The term is formal and especially common in discussions of systems, economies, ecosystems, relationships, and organizations. It is stronger and more specific than simply saying that things are related, because it implies that the relationship involves mutual reliance.
Easily confused with interdependent
Dependent means relying on something else, whereas interdependent emphasizes that two or more things rely on one another.
Independent means not relying on another person, system, or factor, whereas interdependent describes mutual reliance.