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
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