The term 'dependent' can be defined in many ways, including as an underling, RELATIVE, OBSCURE, MINOR, HELPLESS, LIKELY, COLLATERAL, SUBORDINATE, CONTINGENT, FORTUITOUS, NEEDY, relier, and RELIANT. These words all describe someone who is dependent on another person or thing for their well-being, security, or survival. This could include a child who is dependent on their parents for financial and emotional support, or a business that is dependent on its customers for revenue. Dependency can also refer to a situation in which one person or entity relies on another for resources, such as a company that relies on its suppliers for raw materials. In any case, dependency implies a reliance on something or someone else.