co-dependency: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, academic, clinical, psychological.
Quick answer
What does “co-dependency” mean?
A relationship pattern where one person's sense of self-worth and emotional stability is excessively dependent on another person, often resulting in enabling destructive behaviours.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A relationship pattern where one person's sense of self-worth and emotional stability is excessively dependent on another person, often resulting in enabling destructive behaviours.
A broader psychological or systemic condition in which individuals or groups in a relationship enable each other's weaknesses or addictions, creating a mutually destructive cycle. In a business context, it can describe an overly dependent partnership between companies or departments.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: 'codependency' (one word, no hyphen) is more common in American English. 'Co-dependency' (with hyphen) is more typical in British English, though usage varies. The term is more widely established in American self-help and therapeutic discourse.
Connotations
Generally carries the same psychological/clinical connotation in both varieties. In UK usage, it may be perceived as slightly more of a technical/imported Americanism.
Frequency
More frequent in American English, especially in popular psychology and recovery literature. In British English, it is well-understood but may be less prevalent in everyday conversation.
Grammar
How to Use “co-dependency” in a Sentence
[Subject] has/develops/exhibits co-dependency (with/on [Object])Co-dependency between [Noun Phrase 1] and [Noun Phrase 2]To break free from/overcome co-dependencyVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “co-dependency” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They have become so enmeshed that they now co-depend entirely on one another's approval.
- The therapy aims to stop them from co-depending.
American English
- Their dynamic is to codepend, each fueling the other's anxiety.
- You can't just codepend your way through a marriage.
adverb
British English
- (Rarely used) They interacted co-dependently, unable to make a decision alone.
American English
- (Rarely used) They function codependently, which is exhausting for everyone else.
adjective
British English
- She exhibits classic co-dependent behaviours, always putting his needs first.
- They are in a co-dependent relationship.
American English
- He has a codependent personality, often seeking validation from others.
- Their codependent dynamic is harmful.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. May describe an unhealthy, exclusive reliance between two firms, e.g., 'The supplier's co-dependency on our single contract is a strategic risk.'
Academic
Common in psychology, sociology, and social work papers discussing relationship dynamics, addiction, and family systems theory.
Everyday
Used in conversations about difficult relationships, personal growth, therapy, or self-help contexts. 'She's reading a book about co-dependency.'
Technical
Core term in clinical psychology and counselling, with specific diagnostic criteria in some models (e.g., relating to substance abuse or personality disorders).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “co-dependency”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “co-dependency”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “co-dependency”
- Using 'co-dependency' to describe a healthy, mutually beneficial partnership (e.g., 'Our successful teamwork is based on co-dependency'). Incorrect: 'The co-dependency between the engine and transmission is crucial.'
- Misspelling: 'codependancy' (incorrect spelling of suffix).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not listed as a distinct disorder in major diagnostic manuals like the DSM-5. It is a widely used psychological concept to describe a pattern of behaviour within relationships, often associated with other conditions.
Interdependence is a healthy, balanced mutual reliance where both individuals maintain their autonomy. Co-dependency is dysfunctional, involving excessive emotional or psychological reliance, often with enabling behaviours and a loss of self.
Yes. Co-dependent dynamics are common in families (e.g., parent-child), friendships, and even in professional settings, wherever one person enables another's irresponsibility, addiction, or underachievement.
It is variable. American English strongly prefers the closed form 'codependency'. British English more frequently uses the hyphenated 'co-dependency', but both forms are generally accepted. Consistency within a text is key.
A relationship pattern where one person's sense of self-worth and emotional stability is excessively dependent on another person, often resulting in enabling destructive behaviours.
Co-dependency: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkəʊ.dɪˈpen.dən.si/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkoʊ.dɪˈpen.dən.si/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Tied at the hip (in a negative sense)”
- “Can't live with them, can't live without them”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of two 'CO'-workers who are utterly 'DEPENDENT' on each other in a bad way—neither can function alone, and they enable each other's worst habits.
Conceptual Metaphor
RELATIONSHIP IS AN ADDICTION / PERSON IS A DRUG. The dependent person is portrayed as an 'addict', the other as the 'drug' or 'enabler'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'co-dependency' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?