Dependant vs. Dependent
“Dependent” is the standard adjective for relying on someone or something and is also the US noun spelling for a person supported by another. “Dependant” is chiefly the UK noun spelling for that supported person, so word class and regional convention both matter.
Use “dependent” for the adjective. For the noun meaning a person financially supported by another, British usage commonly has “dependant” while US usage has “dependent.”
Key details
Choose the right form
| Job in the sentence | Region | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Adjective meaning reliant on | Any standard variety | dependent |
| Noun: financially supported person | UK-oriented English | dependant |
| Noun: financially supported person | US English | dependent |
Quick tests
Word-class test
Is the word functioning as an adjective, or as the noun for a supported person?
If yes: For the adjective, use “dependent.”
If no: For the noun, check regional convention: “dependant” is common in UK usage; US usage uses “dependent.”
Caveat: Legal, tax, or institutional forms can define their own terminology, so preserve the governing form when accuracy requires it.
Examples
The schedule is dependent on final approval.
The adjective is “dependent.”
UK-oriented example: The allowance is available for each dependant.
The noun spelling “dependant” is the documented UK form.
US-oriented example: List each dependent on the form.
US English uses “dependent” for the noun as well.
Further guidance
Core difference
“Dependent” functions as the general adjective; as a noun meaning a supported person, Cambridge identifies “dependent” as the US spelling of UK “dependant.”
Usage Boundary
Do not replace every “dependent” with “dependant” in British writing: the adjective is normally “dependent,” while the noun spelling is where the regional distinction is most useful.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- dependant — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · UK noun spelling for a financially supported person and its US dependent equivalent
- dependent — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Adjective senses of needing support or being contingent, plus US noun spelling of dependant