reliance

The need for someone or something to help you live, work, or succeed.

• Our reliance on oil is growing.
• The farm reduced its reliance on imported feed.
• Heavy reliance on one customer can put a business at risk.

How to use it: reliance on someone/something (The city wants to reduce its reliance on cars.)

Similar words: dependence, dependency

Opposites: independence

Common phrases: reliance on something, heavy reliance, reduce reliance, growing reliance

Trust that someone or something will help you or do what is needed.

• Her reliance on his judgment was complete.
• We placed reliance on the guide's local knowledge.
• Their reliance on those assurances proved unwise.

How to use it: place reliance on someone/something (They placed too much reliance on his promises.)

Similar words: trust, confidence, faith

Opposites: distrust

Common phrases: place reliance on, reliance on someone, misplaced reliance