reliance

Universal Words noun [U,sing.] ~ (on / upon sb/sth) the state of needing sb/sth in order to survive, be successful, etc.; the fact of being able to rely on sb/sth SYNDEPENDENCE: Heavy reliance on one client is not without risk when building up a business. * Such learning methods encourage too great a reliance upon the teacher. * The study programme concentrates more on group work and places less reliance on (= depends less on) lectures. * I wouldn't place too much reliance on (= trust) these figures. * an increasing reliance on overseas aid