nondependent

Nondependent means not dependent on another person, thing, or source of support. It describes someone or something capable of existing, functioning, or succeeding without relying on outside assistance, authority, or resources. For example, a device described as nondependent on an external power supply can operate without being plugged into another system, while a person whose success is nondependent on family connections has achieved success without relying on relatives. The word is formed from the negative prefix non- and the adjective dependent, but it is much less common in ordinary English than the simpler synonym independent. Its relative rarity may make it sound formal or technical, although its meaning itself is straightforward. It can consequently be useful when an explicit contrast with dependence is important or when a concise expression is needed in a definition, label, or explanatory text.

Not dependent on, or reliant upon, another person, thing, or source of support; independent.

Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.

Where does nondependent come from?

The word was formed in English by combining the negative prefix non-, meaning “not,” with dependent, meaning “relying on” or “conditioned by.” Dependent ultimately comes through French from Latin dependere, literally “hang down from,” and belongs to the same Latin word family as depend and dependence.

How nondependent is actually used

This is a relatively uncommon formation. The unhyphenated form is standard when the word stands alone, while the hyphenated spelling non-dependent is also encountered. In most contexts, independent is the more familiar and natural choice.

What's another word for nondependent?

What's the opposite of nondependent?

Rhymes with nondependent