

<!--XBRL Document Created with Wdesk from Workiva-->
<!-- -->
<link:linkbase xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd" xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/AcquisitionsDivestitures" xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#AcquisitionsDivestitures" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/AcquisitionsDivestituresAcquisitionsDetails" xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#AcquisitionsDivestituresAcquisitionsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/AcquisitionsDivestituresOtherDivestituresDetails" xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#AcquisitionsDivestituresOtherDivestituresDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/AcquisitionsDivestituresPinedaleDivestitureDetails" xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#AcquisitionsDivestituresPinedaleDivestitureDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/AssetRetirementObligations" xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#AssetRetirementObligations" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/AssetRetirementObligationsDetails" xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#AssetRetirementObligationsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/AssetRetirementObligationsTables" xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#AssetRetirementObligationsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/BasisOfPresentation" xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#BasisOfPresentation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/BasisOfPresentationRestrictedCashDetails" xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#BasisOfPresentationRestrictedCashDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/BasisOfPresentationRestrictedCashTables" xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#BasisOfPresentationRestrictedCashTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/CommitmentAndContingencies" xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#CommitmentAndContingencies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingenciesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnaudited" xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnauditedParenthetical" xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnauditedParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementOfEquityUnauditedStatement" xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementOfEquityUnauditedStatement" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlowsUnaudited" xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlowsUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeUnaudited" xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeUnauditedParenthetical" xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeUnauditedParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperationsUnaudited" xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperationsUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/Debt" xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#Debt" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/DebtNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#DebtNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/DebtScheduleOfDebtInstrumentsDetails" xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#DebtScheduleOfDebtInstrumentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/DebtTables" xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#DebtTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/DerivativeContracts" xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#DerivativeContracts" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/DerivativeContractsGainLossInStatementOfFinancialPerformanceDetails" xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#DerivativeContractsGainLossInStatementOfFinancialPerformanceDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/DerivativeContractsNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#DerivativeContractsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/DerivativeContractsScheduleOfCommodityDerivativeContractsDetails" xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#DerivativeContractsScheduleOfCommodityDerivativeContractsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/DerivativeContractsScheduleOfDerivativesFinancialStatementPresentationDetails" xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#DerivativeContractsScheduleOfDerivativesFinancialStatementPresentationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/DerivativeContractsTables" xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#DerivativeContractsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/EarningsPerShare" xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#EarningsPerShare" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/EarningsPerShareComponentsOfBasicAndDilutedSharesUsedInEpsCalculationDetails" xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#EarningsPerShareComponentsOfBasicAndDilutedSharesUsedInEpsCalculationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/EarningsPerShareEarningsPerShareNonPrintingDetails" xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#EarningsPerShareEarningsPerShareNonPrintingDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/EarningsPerShareTables" xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#EarningsPerShareTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/EmployeeBenefits" xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#EmployeeBenefits" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/EmployeeBenefitsNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#EmployeeBenefitsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/EmployeeBenefitsScheduleOfNetPeriodicBenefitCostDetails" xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#EmployeeBenefitsScheduleOfNetPeriodicBenefitCostDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/EmployeeBenefitsTables" xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#EmployeeBenefitsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/FairValueMeasurements" xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#FairValueMeasurements" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsFairValueAndRelatedCarryingAmountOfCertainFinancialInstrumentsDetails" xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsFairValueAndRelatedCarryingAmountOfCertainFinancialInstrumentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsFairValueOfFinancialAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsFairValueOfFinancialAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsTables" xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/RestructuringCosts" xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#RestructuringCosts" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/RestructuringCostsNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#RestructuringCostsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/RestructuringCostsTables" xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#RestructuringCostsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/RevenueDetails" xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#RevenueDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/RevenueDisaggregatedRevenueDetails" xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#RevenueDisaggregatedRevenueDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/RevenueNotes" xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#RevenueNotes" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/RevenueRevenue" xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#RevenueRevenue" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/RevenueTables" xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#RevenueTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#ShareBasedCompensationNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationScheduleOfPerformanceShareUnitTransactionsDetails" xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#ShareBasedCompensationScheduleOfPerformanceShareUnitTransactionsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationScheduleOfRestrictedShareAwardsTransactionsDetails" xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#ShareBasedCompensationScheduleOfRestrictedShareAwardsTransactionsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationScheduleOfRestrictedShareUnitTransactionsDetails" xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#ShareBasedCompensationScheduleOfRestrictedShareUnitTransactionsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationScheduleOfStockOptionTransactionsDetails" xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#ShareBasedCompensationScheduleOfStockOptionTransactionsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationShareBasedCompensationExpenseDetails" xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#ShareBasedCompensationShareBasedCompensationExpenseDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationTables" xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#ShareBasedCompensationTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#all" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-default" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-domain" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#domain-member" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#hypercube-dimension" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/AcquisitionsDivestitures" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/AcquisitionsDivestituresAcquisitionsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_413C37EDE00357DED36BE43FF2F8C7E6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_FCEAFA6B88E1103DCA87E43FF2F877C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_413C37EDE00357DED36BE43FF2F8C7E6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_FCEAFA6B88E1103DCA87E43FF2F877C6" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_9E15F52C9AD24074E7ADE43FF2F86C4A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_FCEAFA6B88E1103DCA87E43FF2F877C6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_9E15F52C9AD24074E7ADE43FF2F86C4A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_7EC0EAAB83AED2B1267FE43FF2F8FCD2_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_9E15F52C9AD24074E7ADE43FF2F86C4A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_7EC0EAAB83AED2B1267FE43FF2F8FCD2_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_7EC0EAAB83AED2B1267FE43FF2F8FCD2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_9E15F52C9AD24074E7ADE43FF2F86C4A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_7EC0EAAB83AED2B1267FE43FF2F8FCD2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_A2017PermianBasinAcquisitionMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_A2017PermianBasinAcquisitionMember_FE2A917C17AC0D7732EEE43FF2F86D76" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_7EC0EAAB83AED2B1267FE43FF2F8FCD2" xlink:to="loc_qep_A2017PermianBasinAcquisitionMember_FE2A917C17AC0D7732EEE43FF2F86D76" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_PermianBasinAcquisitionMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_PermianBasinAcquisitionMember_E18D2AB4A1CBB7B91FACE43FF2F8128E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_7EC0EAAB83AED2B1267FE43FF2F8FCD2" xlink:to="loc_qep_PermianBasinAcquisitionMember_E18D2AB4A1CBB7B91FACE43FF2F8128E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_OtherAcquisitionsMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_OtherAcquisitionsMember_A2781CAAD5DE679CC024E43FF2F84A66" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_7EC0EAAB83AED2B1267FE43FF2F8FCD2" xlink:to="loc_qep_OtherAcquisitionsMember_A2781CAAD5DE679CC024E43FF2F84A66" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationBargainPurchaseGainRecognizedAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationBargainPurchaseGainRecognizedAmount_F5F3233EA01865EC9064E43FF2F8A545" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_413C37EDE00357DED36BE43FF2F8C7E6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationBargainPurchaseGainRecognizedAmount_F5F3233EA01865EC9064E43FF2F8A545" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AcquisitionCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AcquisitionCosts_6C8D49B4C8287A858956E43FF2F83D45" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_413C37EDE00357DED36BE43FF2F8C7E6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AcquisitionCosts_6C8D49B4C8287A858956E43FF2F83D45" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOilAndGasProperty" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOilAndGasProperty_4B927E4B1FB20CA0530CE43FF2F9D716" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_413C37EDE00357DED36BE43FF2F8C7E6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOilAndGasProperty_4B927E4B1FB20CA0530CE43FF2F9D716" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_A4981B8ABC4C743B4B49E470CF608C85" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_413C37EDE00357DED36BE43FF2F8C7E6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_A4981B8ABC4C743B4B49E470CF608C85" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/AcquisitionsDivestituresOtherDivestituresDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_DivestituresLineItems" xlink:label="loc_qep_DivestituresLineItems_59BDA0A4D03BB561D58FE43FF2EB5AA7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_DivestituresTable" xlink:label="loc_qep_DivestituresTable_16421F342FB10FA87900E43FF2EBCDF8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_qep_DivestituresLineItems_59BDA0A4D03BB561D58FE43FF2EB5AA7" xlink:to="loc_qep_DivestituresTable_16421F342FB10FA87900E43FF2EBCDF8" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_BusinessDivestitureAxis" xlink:label="loc_qep_BusinessDivestitureAxis_3DCBFA9D3349F45A11B1E43FF2EB518D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_qep_DivestituresTable_16421F342FB10FA87900E43FF2EBCDF8" xlink:to="loc_qep_BusinessDivestitureAxis_3DCBFA9D3349F45A11B1E43FF2EB518D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_BusinessDivestitureDomain" xlink:label="loc_qep_BusinessDivestitureDomain_35527DA013E78A93D724E43FF2EB74FF_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_qep_BusinessDivestitureAxis_3DCBFA9D3349F45A11B1E43FF2EB518D" xlink:to="loc_qep_BusinessDivestitureDomain_35527DA013E78A93D724E43FF2EB74FF_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_BusinessDivestitureDomain" xlink:label="loc_qep_BusinessDivestitureDomain_35527DA013E78A93D724E43FF2EB74FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_qep_BusinessDivestitureAxis_3DCBFA9D3349F45A11B1E43FF2EB518D" xlink:to="loc_qep_BusinessDivestitureDomain_35527DA013E78A93D724E43FF2EB74FF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_NoncorepropertiesDivestituresMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_NoncorepropertiesDivestituresMember_B536135AD0CBDA51A79CE43FF2EB89B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_BusinessDivestitureDomain_35527DA013E78A93D724E43FF2EB74FF" xlink:to="loc_qep_NoncorepropertiesDivestituresMember_B536135AD0CBDA51A79CE43FF2EB89B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfOilAndGasPropertyAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfOilAndGasPropertyAndEquipment_55DA1BC481891875AB5DE43FF2EBA961" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_DivestituresLineItems_59BDA0A4D03BB561D58FE43FF2EB5AA7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfOilAndGasPropertyAndEquipment_55DA1BC481891875AB5DE43FF2EBA961" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment_B68983786A0CFB9754DBE43FF2EBF990" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_DivestituresLineItems_59BDA0A4D03BB561D58FE43FF2EB5AA7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment_B68983786A0CFB9754DBE43FF2EBF990" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/AcquisitionsDivestituresPinedaleDivestitureDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_DivestituresLineItems" xlink:label="loc_qep_DivestituresLineItems_341708F5CBCDCF1701BEE43FF2F294A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_DivestituresTable" xlink:label="loc_qep_DivestituresTable_2F0441AA65F3CDCFF69AE43FF2F124FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_qep_DivestituresLineItems_341708F5CBCDCF1701BEE43FF2F294A9" xlink:to="loc_qep_DivestituresTable_2F0441AA65F3CDCFF69AE43FF2F124FC" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_BusinessDivestitureAxis" xlink:label="loc_qep_BusinessDivestitureAxis_701B4A22F0B1C286E959E43FF2F268C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_qep_DivestituresTable_2F0441AA65F3CDCFF69AE43FF2F124FC" xlink:to="loc_qep_BusinessDivestitureAxis_701B4A22F0B1C286E959E43FF2F268C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_BusinessDivestitureDomain" xlink:label="loc_qep_BusinessDivestitureDomain_BACB928DA1FB9F6C7B83E43FF2F27E3C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_qep_BusinessDivestitureAxis_701B4A22F0B1C286E959E43FF2F268C1" xlink:to="loc_qep_BusinessDivestitureDomain_BACB928DA1FB9F6C7B83E43FF2F27E3C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_BusinessDivestitureDomain" xlink:label="loc_qep_BusinessDivestitureDomain_BACB928DA1FB9F6C7B83E43FF2F27E3C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_qep_BusinessDivestitureAxis_701B4A22F0B1C286E959E43FF2F268C1" xlink:to="loc_qep_BusinessDivestitureDomain_BACB928DA1FB9F6C7B83E43FF2F27E3C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_PinedaleDivestitureMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_PinedaleDivestitureMember_E888E49FD4A143046BDAE43FF2F26BF3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_BusinessDivestitureDomain_BACB928DA1FB9F6C7B83E43FF2F27E3C" xlink:to="loc_qep_PinedaleDivestitureMember_E888E49FD4A143046BDAE43FF2F26BF3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OilAndGasDeliveryCommitmentsAndContractsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasDeliveryCommitmentsAndContractsAxis_FAA4C4C5127599D2421AE43FF2F2EEC5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_qep_DivestituresTable_2F0441AA65F3CDCFF69AE43FF2F124FC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasDeliveryCommitmentsAndContractsAxis_FAA4C4C5127599D2421AE43FF2F2EEC5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OilAndGasDeliveryCommitmentsAndContractsOilProducingPropertyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasDeliveryCommitmentsAndContractsOilProducingPropertyDomain_199B2C639245FA6D1F4FE43FF2F277BD_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasDeliveryCommitmentsAndContractsAxis_FAA4C4C5127599D2421AE43FF2F2EEC5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasDeliveryCommitmentsAndContractsOilProducingPropertyDomain_199B2C639245FA6D1F4FE43FF2F277BD_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OilAndGasDeliveryCommitmentsAndContractsOilProducingPropertyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasDeliveryCommitmentsAndContractsOilProducingPropertyDomain_199B2C639245FA6D1F4FE43FF2F277BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasDeliveryCommitmentsAndContractsAxis_FAA4C4C5127599D2421AE43FF2F2EEC5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasDeliveryCommitmentsAndContractsOilProducingPropertyDomain_199B2C639245FA6D1F4FE43FF2F277BD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_ShortTermMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_ShortTermMember_40443B3F866F85A1404DE43FF2F2A0CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasDeliveryCommitmentsAndContractsOilProducingPropertyDomain_199B2C639245FA6D1F4FE43FF2F277BD" xlink:to="loc_qep_ShortTermMember_40443B3F866F85A1404DE43FF2F2A0CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_LongTermMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_LongTermMember_30D828A79DB35CC116DAE43FF2F2F955" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasDeliveryCommitmentsAndContractsOilProducingPropertyDomain_199B2C639245FA6D1F4FE43FF2F277BD" xlink:to="loc_qep_LongTermMember_30D828A79DB35CC116DAE43FF2F2F955" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_TotalMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_TotalMember_E75A9D934F0D140C6B2EE43FF2F2AA9D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasDeliveryCommitmentsAndContractsOilProducingPropertyDomain_199B2C639245FA6D1F4FE43FF2F277BD" xlink:to="loc_qep_TotalMember_E75A9D934F0D140C6B2EE43FF2F2AA9D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfOilAndGasPropertyAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfOilAndGasPropertyAndEquipment_58340112420D8094B97BE43FF2F3D17B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_DivestituresLineItems_341708F5CBCDCF1701BEE43FF2F294A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfOilAndGasPropertyAndEquipment_58340112420D8094B97BE43FF2F3D17B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment_B033AAD614447A34A598E43FF2F3C2DE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_DivestituresLineItems_341708F5CBCDCF1701BEE43FF2F294A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment_B033AAD614447A34A598E43FF2F3C2DE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResultsOfOperationsIncomeBeforeIncomeTaxes" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResultsOfOperationsIncomeBeforeIncomeTaxes_712D079C1AF6A0EF6329E43FF2F3D20F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_DivestituresLineItems_341708F5CBCDCF1701BEE43FF2F294A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResultsOfOperationsIncomeBeforeIncomeTaxes_712D079C1AF6A0EF6329E43FF2F3D20F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentAmount_22EDFCD759EBFD91E598E43FF2F350EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_DivestituresLineItems_341708F5CBCDCF1701BEE43FF2F294A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentAmount_22EDFCD759EBFD91E598E43FF2F350EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PurchaseCommitmentRemainingMinimumAmountCommitted" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PurchaseCommitmentRemainingMinimumAmountCommitted_BAD4604ECF675CAABA0BE43FF2F39636" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_DivestituresLineItems_341708F5CBCDCF1701BEE43FF2F294A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PurchaseCommitmentRemainingMinimumAmountCommitted_BAD4604ECF675CAABA0BE43FF2F39636" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/AssetRetirementObligations" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/AssetRetirementObligationsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_DivestituresLineItems" xlink:label="loc_qep_DivestituresLineItems_EA2DA996F91ACE27D5BFDF959C1D0CD7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_DivestituresTable" xlink:label="loc_qep_DivestituresTable_F90B6492CB9ADD7AB640DF959C1D2E0E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_qep_DivestituresLineItems_EA2DA996F91ACE27D5BFDF959C1D0CD7" xlink:to="loc_qep_DivestituresTable_F90B6492CB9ADD7AB640DF959C1D2E0E" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_BusinessDivestitureAxis" xlink:label="loc_qep_BusinessDivestitureAxis_7FC442E76AC24FE4DF7EDFB2B866AF22" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_qep_DivestituresTable_F90B6492CB9ADD7AB640DF959C1D2E0E" xlink:to="loc_qep_BusinessDivestitureAxis_7FC442E76AC24FE4DF7EDFB2B866AF22" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_BusinessDivestitureDomain" xlink:label="loc_qep_BusinessDivestitureDomain_87216A2B9BA60F693FFDDFB2B868AF64_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_qep_BusinessDivestitureAxis_7FC442E76AC24FE4DF7EDFB2B866AF22" xlink:to="loc_qep_BusinessDivestitureDomain_87216A2B9BA60F693FFDDFB2B868AF64_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_BusinessDivestitureDomain" xlink:label="loc_qep_BusinessDivestitureDomain_87216A2B9BA60F693FFDDFB2B868AF64" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_qep_BusinessDivestitureAxis_7FC442E76AC24FE4DF7EDFB2B866AF22" xlink:to="loc_qep_BusinessDivestitureDomain_87216A2B9BA60F693FFDDFB2B868AF64" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationCurrent_150868DB722D4C3454B2DF959C1D5D9D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_DivestituresLineItems_EA2DA996F91ACE27D5BFDF959C1D0CD7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationCurrent_150868DB722D4C3454B2DF959C1D5D9D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationRollForwardAnalysisRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationRollForwardAnalysisRollForward_24D06C623A0FEEA6F99EDF959C1D95FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_DivestituresLineItems_EA2DA996F91ACE27D5BFDF959C1D0CD7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationRollForwardAnalysisRollForward_24D06C623A0FEEA6F99EDF959C1D95FF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligation_7365572E8049CF855FCDDF959C1DD363" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationRollForwardAnalysisRollForward_24D06C623A0FEEA6F99EDF959C1D95FF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligation_7365572E8049CF855FCDDF959C1DD363" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationAccretionExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationAccretionExpense_A37FCF460440BDD7C773DF959C1DC071" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationRollForwardAnalysisRollForward_24D06C623A0FEEA6F99EDF959C1D95FF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationAccretionExpense_A37FCF460440BDD7C773DF959C1DC071" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationLiabilitiesIncurred" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationLiabilitiesIncurred_FDB8C8116DB3FD910EF9DF959C1D0323" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationRollForwardAnalysisRollForward_24D06C623A0FEEA6F99EDF959C1D95FF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationLiabilitiesIncurred_FDB8C8116DB3FD910EF9DF959C1D0323" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationRevisionOfEstimate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationRevisionOfEstimate_D5D87DB8304E00EC9C05DF959C1D028D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationRollForwardAnalysisRollForward_24D06C623A0FEEA6F99EDF959C1D95FF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationRevisionOfEstimate_D5D87DB8304E00EC9C05DF959C1D028D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_AssetRetirementObligationsLiabilitiesRelatedtoDivestitures" xlink:label="loc_qep_AssetRetirementObligationsLiabilitiesRelatedtoDivestitures_4CCBEC0F977958B35E66DF959C1D9E60" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationRollForwardAnalysisRollForward_24D06C623A0FEEA6F99EDF959C1D95FF" xlink:to="loc_qep_AssetRetirementObligationsLiabilitiesRelatedtoDivestitures_4CCBEC0F977958B35E66DF959C1D9E60" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/AssetRetirementObligationsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/BasisOfPresentation" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/BasisOfPresentationRestrictedCashDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsItemsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsItemsLineItems_14F3E53F08E6943E81C1F84A092DA733" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsTable_E9419C08FCB6DCFD3891F84A092DF8BE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsItemsLineItems_14F3E53F08E6943E81C1F84A092DA733" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsTable_E9419C08FCB6DCFD3891F84A092DF8BE" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsAxis_DB55B8B54883F376DD4CF84A092DFBAE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsTable_E9419C08FCB6DCFD3891F84A092DF8BE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsAxis_DB55B8B54883F376DD4CF84A092DFBAE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember_B02BB35316B97F09569BF84A092D4839_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsAxis_DB55B8B54883F376DD4CF84A092DFBAE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember_B02BB35316B97F09569BF84A092D4839_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember_B02BB35316B97F09569BF84A092D4839" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsAxis_DB55B8B54883F376DD4CF84A092DFBAE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember_B02BB35316B97F09569BF84A092D4839" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_ShortTermMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_ShortTermMember_43985BFF09D990442BC1F84A092DD59B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember_B02BB35316B97F09569BF84A092D4839" xlink:to="loc_qep_ShortTermMember_43985BFF09D990442BC1F84A092DD59B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_LongTermMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_LongTermMember_55981B27674A01DBE0CEF84A092D77D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember_B02BB35316B97F09569BF84A092D4839" xlink:to="loc_qep_LongTermMember_55981B27674A01DBE0CEF84A092D77D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_2328943D808F22DE8C03F84A092DB4E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsItemsLineItems_14F3E53F08E6943E81C1F84A092DA733" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_2328943D808F22DE8C03F84A092DB4E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndInvestments_0CEED1DF8926DA6AA446F84A092DBFF6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsItemsLineItems_14F3E53F08E6943E81C1F84A092DA733" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndInvestments_0CEED1DF8926DA6AA446F84A092DBFF6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents_FC944BE7C62DF1AA288EF84A092D544E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsItemsLineItems_14F3E53F08E6943E81C1F84A092DA733" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents_FC944BE7C62DF1AA288EF84A092D544E" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/BasisOfPresentationRestrictedCashTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/CommitmentAndContingencies" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnaudited" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_677B1D4A0E42D4D1BBF1DA57A79F1076" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_DC632154893878655318DA57A79F271C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_677B1D4A0E42D4D1BBF1DA57A79F1076" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_DC632154893878655318DA57A79F271C" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_67AFD693BB8DA6B59F50DA57A79FFC18" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_DC632154893878655318DA57A79F271C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_67AFD693BB8DA6B59F50DA57A79FFC18" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_34151861962EEB7F0E18DA57A79F6F1C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_67AFD693BB8DA6B59F50DA57A79FFC18" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_34151861962EEB7F0E18DA57A79F6F1C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_34151861962EEB7F0E18DA57A79F6F1C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_67AFD693BB8DA6B59F50DA57A79FFC18" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_34151861962EEB7F0E18DA57A79F6F1C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_4276195AF2D72330E204DA57A79FFA9F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_677B1D4A0E42D4D1BBF1DA57A79F1076" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_4276195AF2D72330E204DA57A79FFA9F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_A5C8A93F0B532CEE634CDA57A79FD0F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_4276195AF2D72330E204DA57A79FFA9F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_A5C8A93F0B532CEE634CDA57A79FD0F8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_B16023BAC2E8FF4CF4FBDA57A79F5FBF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_A5C8A93F0B532CEE634CDA57A79FD0F8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_B16023BAC2E8FF4CF4FBDA57A79F5FBF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_95E4A37557F64D293B84DA57A79F8AA2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_A5C8A93F0B532CEE634CDA57A79FD0F8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_95E4A37557F64D293B84DA57A79F8AA2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxesReceivable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxesReceivable_CE8FF4ECEC933F54B516DA57A7A01664" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_A5C8A93F0B532CEE634CDA57A79FD0F8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxesReceivable_CE8FF4ECEC933F54B516DA57A7A01664" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsCurrent_2B2BC43BCADC9FBE6057DA57A7A0803C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_A5C8A93F0B532CEE634CDA57A79FD0F8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsCurrent_2B2BC43BCADC9FBE6057DA57A7A0803C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EnergyRelatedInventory" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EnergyRelatedInventory_364198A41A2F9EF88BBDDA57A7A04AD2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_A5C8A93F0B532CEE634CDA57A79FD0F8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EnergyRelatedInventory_364198A41A2F9EF88BBDDA57A7A04AD2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseCurrent_C138D89E1AB569140DFDDA57A7A09893" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_A5C8A93F0B532CEE634CDA57A79FD0F8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseCurrent_C138D89E1AB569140DFDDA57A7A09893" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent_0E21E134EE8778D8059EDA57A7A01E10" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_A5C8A93F0B532CEE634CDA57A79FD0F8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent_0E21E134EE8778D8059EDA57A7A01E10" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_7218DBA9CBD54AAE2D63DA57A7A02D3F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_4276195AF2D72330E204DA57A79FFA9F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_7218DBA9CBD54AAE2D63DA57A7A02D3F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract_BD2C142288365E9483D7DA57A7A0DAB5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_4276195AF2D72330E204DA57A79FFA9F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract_BD2C142288365E9483D7DA57A7A0DAB5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProvedOilAndGasPropertySuccessfulEffortMethod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProvedOilAndGasPropertySuccessfulEffortMethod_B53D611F8FFB0234B872DA57A7A021AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract_BD2C142288365E9483D7DA57A7A0DAB5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProvedOilAndGasPropertySuccessfulEffortMethod_B53D611F8FFB0234B872DA57A7A021AB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnprovedOilAndGasPropertySuccessfulEffortMethod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnprovedOilAndGasPropertySuccessfulEffortMethod_9E8FA97B21E2129A2A90DA57A7A0532B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract_BD2C142288365E9483D7DA57A7A0DAB5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnprovedOilAndGasPropertySuccessfulEffortMethod_9E8FA97B21E2129A2A90DA57A7A0532B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentOther" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentOther_5DE08FB4A2951FDDB6DBDA57A7A08CD5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract_BD2C142288365E9483D7DA57A7A0DAB5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentOther_5DE08FB4A2951FDDB6DBDA57A7A08CD5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryDrillingNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InventoryDrillingNoncurrent_E89BF7BC981788964AA8DA57A7A07BE4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract_BD2C142288365E9483D7DA57A7A0DAB5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InventoryDrillingNoncurrent_E89BF7BC981788964AA8DA57A7A07BE4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_3A7A572F8E6162622891DA57A7A062B5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract_BD2C142288365E9483D7DA57A7A0DAB5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_3A7A572F8E6162622891DA57A7A062B5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationNonproductionAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationNonproductionAbstract_65C13F8F94556E105A09DA57A7A1EE25" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_4276195AF2D72330E204DA57A79FFA9F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationNonproductionAbstract_65C13F8F94556E105A09DA57A7A1EE25" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OilAndGasPropertySuccessfulEffortMethodAccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasPropertySuccessfulEffortMethodAccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_BC4BB8CBCDC039118E39DA57A7A10B40" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationNonproductionAbstract_65C13F8F94556E105A09DA57A7A1EE25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasPropertySuccessfulEffortMethodAccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_BC4BB8CBCDC039118E39DA57A7A10B40" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentOtherAccumulatedDepreciation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentOtherAccumulatedDepreciation_910BD04CB2C4FAE474AEDA57A7A19D08" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationNonproductionAbstract_65C13F8F94556E105A09DA57A7A1EE25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentOtherAccumulatedDepreciation_910BD04CB2C4FAE474AEDA57A7A19D08" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_29F487E25D1361D1FF29DA57A7A1C73F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationNonproductionAbstract_65C13F8F94556E105A09DA57A7A1EE25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_29F487E25D1361D1FF29DA57A7A1C73F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_DF419FC0843EC63563F7DA57A7A186A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_4276195AF2D72330E204DA57A79FFA9F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_DF419FC0843EC63563F7DA57A7A186A3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgesNoncurrent_8A5FFB6DBAA46CDEDE45DA57A7A17A11" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_4276195AF2D72330E204DA57A79FFA9F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgesNoncurrent_8A5FFB6DBAA46CDEDE45DA57A7A17A11" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_3FA15197E371DBA0D6ACDA57A7A1B8A2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_4276195AF2D72330E204DA57A79FFA9F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_3FA15197E371DBA0D6ACDA57A7A1B8A2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_D5FF3A301E520B0218FCDA57A7A166B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_4276195AF2D72330E204DA57A79FFA9F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_D5FF3A301E520B0218FCDA57A7A166B6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_5676DC3678BF48A1EB41DA57A7A1A756" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_677B1D4A0E42D4D1BBF1DA57A79F1076" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_5676DC3678BF48A1EB41DA57A7A1A756" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_66F57BC15105F9C22579DA57A7A1D961" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_5676DC3678BF48A1EB41DA57A7A1A756" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_66F57BC15105F9C22579DA57A7A1D961" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BankOverdrafts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BankOverdrafts_40A5B91CD555E9703381DA57A7A158CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_66F57BC15105F9C22579DA57A7A1D961" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BankOverdrafts_40A5B91CD555E9703381DA57A7A158CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_83F42AF6CC51CA8766ADDA57A7A12889" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_66F57BC15105F9C22579DA57A7A1D961" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_83F42AF6CC51CA8766ADDA57A7A12889" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccrualForTaxesOtherThanIncomeTaxesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccrualForTaxesOtherThanIncomeTaxesCurrent_C45AC4C3E3301CFC3C34DA57A7A13054" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_66F57BC15105F9C22579DA57A7A1D961" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccrualForTaxesOtherThanIncomeTaxesCurrent_C45AC4C3E3301CFC3C34DA57A7A13054" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrent_94805186E276B4F2AB97DA57A7A2B6B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_66F57BC15105F9C22579DA57A7A1D961" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrent_94805186E276B4F2AB97DA57A7A2B6B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent_37A3D360BA1ACBEEC34ADA57A7A2AB60" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_66F57BC15105F9C22579DA57A7A1D961" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent_37A3D360BA1ACBEEC34ADA57A7A2AB60" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_D4DFBB5984BE8E8671DBDA57A7A28036" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_66F57BC15105F9C22579DA57A7A1D961" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_D4DFBB5984BE8E8671DBDA57A7A28036" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_7784D391403E5942BFEEDA57A7A2D9EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_66F57BC15105F9C22579DA57A7A1D961" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_7784D391403E5942BFEEDA57A7A2D9EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_134961AC607B7286020ADA57A7A299EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_5676DC3678BF48A1EB41DA57A7A1A756" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_134961AC607B7286020ADA57A7A299EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent_4E3410D0BA9B082918A0DA57A7A23FC4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_5676DC3678BF48A1EB41DA57A7A1A756" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent_4E3410D0BA9B082918A0DA57A7A23FC4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationsNoncurrent_4AB5F281095A7F3773AADA57A7A26029" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_5676DC3678BF48A1EB41DA57A7A1A756" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationsNoncurrent_4AB5F281095A7F3773AADA57A7A26029" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent_3802A15D1346105BAFD8DA57A7A2D2D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_5676DC3678BF48A1EB41DA57A7A1A756" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent_3802A15D1346105BAFD8DA57A7A2D2D7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_F3C1764181B925F2182ADA57A7A213BC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_5676DC3678BF48A1EB41DA57A7A1A756" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_F3C1764181B925F2182ADA57A7A213BC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_C43AB7C0EF4A0AE7B709DA57A7A2CDD3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_5676DC3678BF48A1EB41DA57A7A1A756" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_C43AB7C0EF4A0AE7B709DA57A7A2CDD3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_179E7A753995B8A5FBF9DA57A7A20CFF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_5676DC3678BF48A1EB41DA57A7A1A756" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_179E7A753995B8A5FBF9DA57A7A20CFF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_36E8A5D9BE99B66ADC7ADA57A7A20754" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_179E7A753995B8A5FBF9DA57A7A20CFF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_36E8A5D9BE99B66ADC7ADA57A7A20754" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockValue_1889D6C690B2B42955F5DA57A7A28C7C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_179E7A753995B8A5FBF9DA57A7A20CFF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockValue_1889D6C690B2B42955F5DA57A7A28C7C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock_51AF329110B6F8551568DA57A7A260AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_179E7A753995B8A5FBF9DA57A7A20CFF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock_51AF329110B6F8551568DA57A7A260AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_C461AB7FA9B2339A72ADDA57A7A32C9D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_179E7A753995B8A5FBF9DA57A7A20CFF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_C461AB7FA9B2339A72ADDA57A7A32C9D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_35246636F50D9710C636DA57A7A36D27" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_179E7A753995B8A5FBF9DA57A7A20CFF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_35246636F50D9710C636DA57A7A36D27" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_B0D070AC0343AF4FA3B4DA57A7A3DC3C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_179E7A753995B8A5FBF9DA57A7A20CFF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_B0D070AC0343AF4FA3B4DA57A7A3DC3C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_5685720C89B9BCC19D0BDA57A7A3D3C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_5676DC3678BF48A1EB41DA57A7A1A756" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_5685720C89B9BCC19D0BDA57A7A3D3C0" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnauditedParenthetical" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementOfEquityUnauditedStatement" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_7FCC25734B0C30218E27F8350B6ABE97" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_3E29AC3B89C34AF5F04EF8350B670BA0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_7FCC25734B0C30218E27F8350B6ABE97" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_3E29AC3B89C34AF5F04EF8350B670BA0" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_99EBB0D4B6616D377DE3F8350B68EC4E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_3E29AC3B89C34AF5F04EF8350B670BA0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_99EBB0D4B6616D377DE3F8350B68EC4E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_DAA7A78D27286C53F72FF8350B68B8E3_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_99EBB0D4B6616D377DE3F8350B68EC4E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_DAA7A78D27286C53F72FF8350B68B8E3_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_DAA7A78D27286C53F72FF8350B68B8E3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_99EBB0D4B6616D377DE3F8350B68EC4E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_DAA7A78D27286C53F72FF8350B68B8E3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_CommonStockValueMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_CommonStockValueMember_844CFAF352B43CEFBFC9F8350B684322" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_DAA7A78D27286C53F72FF8350B68B8E3" xlink:to="loc_qep_CommonStockValueMember_844CFAF352B43CEFBFC9F8350B684322" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember_215420898805306AE18DF8350B69ADEF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_DAA7A78D27286C53F72FF8350B68B8E3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember_215420898805306AE18DF8350B69ADEF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_03128DE4A4F12ABB43CEF8350B69F8D2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_DAA7A78D27286C53F72FF8350B68B8E3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_03128DE4A4F12ABB43CEF8350B69F8D2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_84EEDA7030BD6DE82CFEF8350B6AC055" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_DAA7A78D27286C53F72FF8350B68B8E3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_84EEDA7030BD6DE82CFEF8350B6AC055" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_3BF1A668747783917ED6F8350B6AE187" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_DAA7A78D27286C53F72FF8350B68B8E3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_3BF1A668747783917ED6F8350B6AE187" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_TotalMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_TotalMember_1A9F7CE1747134BB850DF8350B6A9183" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_DAA7A78D27286C53F72FF8350B68B8E3" xlink:to="loc_qep_TotalMember_1A9F7CE1747134BB850DF8350B6A9183" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharesIssued_30714037D0B52E94A6ADF8350B6ABDC5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_7FCC25734B0C30218E27F8350B6ABE97" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharesIssued_30714037D0B52E94A6ADF8350B6ABDC5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockShares" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockShares_9B9933A19906B7A4B1EEF8350B6A5437" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_7FCC25734B0C30218E27F8350B6ABE97" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockShares_9B9933A19906B7A4B1EEF8350B6A5437" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityOtherShares" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityOtherShares_B7F268413E800B0D4E61F8350B6A270C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_7FCC25734B0C30218E27F8350B6ABE97" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityOtherShares_B7F268413E800B0D4E61F8350B6A270C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_8476D1D2976E67D888CDF8350B6AE8F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_7FCC25734B0C30218E27F8350B6ABE97" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_8476D1D2976E67D888CDF8350B6AE8F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares_05680B9FC3AD8BE7D008F8350B6D4CF9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_7FCC25734B0C30218E27F8350B6ABE97" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares_05680B9FC3AD8BE7D008F8350B6D4CF9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue_6F475E0A44C4E50F7702F8350B6DCB53" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_7FCC25734B0C30218E27F8350B6ABE97" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue_6F475E0A44C4E50F7702F8350B6DCB53" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation_9318DD9B98EC6837FE06F8350B6DC418" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_7FCC25734B0C30218E27F8350B6ABE97" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation_9318DD9B98EC6837FE06F8350B6DC418" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockGrantedDuringPeriodValueSharebasedCompensation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockGrantedDuringPeriodValueSharebasedCompensation_892FBD4D0569A61FAE51F8350B6D06CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_7FCC25734B0C30218E27F8350B6ABE97" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockGrantedDuringPeriodValueSharebasedCompensation_892FBD4D0569A61FAE51F8350B6D06CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesTreasuryStockReissued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesTreasuryStockReissued_24B6785E3C8FAF387FA2F8350B6D789C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_7FCC25734B0C30218E27F8350B6ABE97" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesTreasuryStockReissued_24B6785E3C8FAF387FA2F8350B6D789C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation_30C5DCC390D54A2E80ABF8350B6DA23F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_7FCC25734B0C30218E27F8350B6ABE97" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation_30C5DCC390D54A2E80ABF8350B6DA23F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeBenefitPlan" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeBenefitPlan_566FD3F2DEED89CE9070F8350B6D5FF2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_7FCC25734B0C30218E27F8350B6ABE97" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeBenefitPlan_566FD3F2DEED89CE9070F8350B6D5FF2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTax_BDDAE36ACE7B8169C3ECF8350B6DFEB0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_7FCC25734B0C30218E27F8350B6ABE97" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTax_BDDAE36ACE7B8169C3ECF8350B6DFEB0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_E099F818CD4AE4D1E388F8350B6D734F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_7FCC25734B0C30218E27F8350B6ABE97" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_E099F818CD4AE4D1E388F8350B6D734F" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlowsUnaudited" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_81E417EDED9E02149256F836A60BD292" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_48C6EB396E8B5B6462A7F836A60BEF36" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_81E417EDED9E02149256F836A60BD292" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_48C6EB396E8B5B6462A7F836A60BEF36" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_C6574F05D20E0767C7AEF836A60B890A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_48C6EB396E8B5B6462A7F836A60BEF36" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_C6574F05D20E0767C7AEF836A60B890A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_45B14675EED576186935F836A60BC0ED_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_C6574F05D20E0767C7AEF836A60B890A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_45B14675EED576186935F836A60BC0ED_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_45B14675EED576186935F836A60BC0ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_C6574F05D20E0767C7AEF836A60B890A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_45B14675EED576186935F836A60BC0ED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_3A48332D26F84E812B0DF836A60B3AC1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_81E417EDED9E02149256F836A60BD292" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_3A48332D26F84E812B0DF836A60B3AC1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_D00D53C6596159E76F70F836A60CA537" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_3A48332D26F84E812B0DF836A60B3AC1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_D00D53C6596159E76F70F836A60CA537" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_EFF3473E0B07036C28E0F836A60C68EB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_3A48332D26F84E812B0DF836A60B3AC1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_EFF3473E0B07036C28E0F836A60C68EB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_BAADEC8DCE7E3A993B27F836A60CDA71" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_EFF3473E0B07036C28E0F836A60C68EB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_BAADEC8DCE7E3A993B27F836A60CDA71" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_9CBED9716C83D0C812CDF836A60CC8A1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_EFF3473E0B07036C28E0F836A60C68EB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_9CBED9716C83D0C812CDF836A60CC8A1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_8571D2F3319C822FF8C1F836A60CCE73" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_EFF3473E0B07036C28E0F836A60C68EB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_8571D2F3319C822FF8C1F836A60CCE73" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_0258D3344EA0784B36DAF836A60CC228" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_EFF3473E0B07036C28E0F836A60C68EB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_0258D3344EA0784B36DAF836A60CC228" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCostsAndDiscounts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCostsAndDiscounts_193F0B755B756EB1213BF836A60C46AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_EFF3473E0B07036C28E0F836A60C68EB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCostsAndDiscounts_193F0B755B756EB1213BF836A60C46AD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationBargainPurchaseGainRecognizedAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationBargainPurchaseGainRecognizedAmount_74556E7F1202DDB589BAF836A60C9E97" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_EFF3473E0B07036C28E0F836A60C68EB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationBargainPurchaseGainRecognizedAmount_74556E7F1202DDB589BAF836A60C9E97" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfOilAndGasProperty" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfOilAndGasProperty_2123CABE04D76E430975F836A60C8C6E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_EFF3473E0B07036C28E0F836A60C68EB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfOilAndGasProperty_2123CABE04D76E430975F836A60C8C6E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesUnrealizedGainLossExcludingOtherThanTemporaryImpairments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesUnrealizedGainLossExcludingOtherThanTemporaryImpairments_25DAD319D9591A69379AF836A60DD406" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_EFF3473E0B07036C28E0F836A60C68EB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesUnrealizedGainLossExcludingOtherThanTemporaryImpairments_25DAD319D9591A69379AF836A60DD406" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives_4E44B6D6F2922F1F12B2F836A60DCE33" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_EFF3473E0B07036C28E0F836A60C68EB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives_4E44B6D6F2922F1F12B2F836A60DCE33" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapital" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapital_516D8434EAC144EEDD56F836A60DF159" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_EFF3473E0B07036C28E0F836A60C68EB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapital_516D8434EAC144EEDD56F836A60DF159" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations_573792ACBA025E6424CFF836A60DD196" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_3A48332D26F84E812B0DF836A60B3AC1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations_573792ACBA025E6424CFF836A60DD196" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_423DF848F411AE06DDC8F836A60D5E1D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_81E417EDED9E02149256F836A60BD292" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_423DF848F411AE06DDC8F836A60D5E1D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOilAndGasProperty" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOilAndGasProperty_1FFA70F3582999D77AF0F836A60D1C9B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_423DF848F411AE06DDC8F836A60D5E1D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOilAndGasProperty_1FFA70F3582999D77AF0F836A60D1C9B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOilAndGasEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOilAndGasEquipment_C2A0B7AA7FF7A9D64957F836A60D1193" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_423DF848F411AE06DDC8F836A60D5E1D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOilAndGasEquipment_C2A0B7AA7FF7A9D64957F836A60D1193" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfOilAndGasPropertyAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfOilAndGasPropertyAndEquipment_EBEEEDC6F8102C7252FBF836A60DE750" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_423DF848F411AE06DDC8F836A60D5E1D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfOilAndGasPropertyAndEquipment_EBEEEDC6F8102C7252FBF836A60DE750" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations_4AA75F5483FBA4CA0173F836A60DB7B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_423DF848F411AE06DDC8F836A60D5E1D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations_4AA75F5483FBA4CA0173F836A60DB7B9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_98C028F0C13221DF09F8F836A60D1CE2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_81E417EDED9E02149256F836A60BD292" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_98C028F0C13221DF09F8F836A60D1CE2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOutstandingChecksFinancingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOutstandingChecksFinancingActivities_58A043024545BD56EC7DF836A60EFF87" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_98C028F0C13221DF09F8F836A60D1CE2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOutstandingChecksFinancingActivities_58A043024545BD56EC7DF836A60EFF87" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromLongTermLinesOfCredit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromLongTermLinesOfCredit_2B9CF37ED078E775CCACF836A60E77B7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_98C028F0C13221DF09F8F836A60D1CE2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromLongTermLinesOfCredit_2B9CF37ED078E775CCACF836A60E77B7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermLinesOfCredit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermLinesOfCredit_7E0D390C0D149E93E4C3F836A60E5A68" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_98C028F0C13221DF09F8F836A60D1CE2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermLinesOfCredit_7E0D390C0D149E93E4C3F836A60E5A68" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue_F3D68DC7DE476FEB7585F836A60E9062" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_98C028F0C13221DF09F8F836A60D1CE2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue_F3D68DC7DE476FEB7585F836A60E9062" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock_BD5B37485D35A1C4BDE5F836A60EB90E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_98C028F0C13221DF09F8F836A60D1CE2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock_BD5B37485D35A1C4BDE5F836A60EB90E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations_961B77601DB27B269E84F836A60E3965" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_98C028F0C13221DF09F8F836A60D1CE2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations_961B77601DB27B269E84F836A60E3965" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease_98841ACE7F93003BF46EF836A60EEEE5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_81E417EDED9E02149256F836A60BD292" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease_98841ACE7F93003BF46EF836A60EEEE5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents_743A56666284370E8184F836A60E647D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_81E417EDED9E02149256F836A60BD292" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents_743A56666284370E8184F836A60E647D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowElementsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowElementsAbstract_22213C816CE8F307BC7CF836A60EB305" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_81E417EDED9E02149256F836A60BD292" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowElementsAbstract_22213C816CE8F307BC7CF836A60EB305" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPaidNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestPaidNet_90553F26F2E51A825C1FF836A60E16C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowElementsAbstract_22213C816CE8F307BC7CF836A60EB305" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestPaidNet_90553F26F2E51A825C1FF836A60E16C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet_F31BBD5EE076B3F6BC1DF836A60ED9E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowElementsAbstract_22213C816CE8F307BC7CF836A60EB305" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet_F31BBD5EE076B3F6BC1DF836A60ED9E2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncashInvestingAndFinancingItemsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncashInvestingAndFinancingItemsAbstract_29A74089EA301BCB0A6AF836A60F3A8D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowElementsAbstract_22213C816CE8F307BC7CF836A60EB305" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncashInvestingAndFinancingItemsAbstract_29A74089EA301BCB0A6AF836A60F3A8D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_Changeincapitalexpenditureaccrualsandothernoncashadjustments" xlink:label="loc_qep_Changeincapitalexpenditureaccrualsandothernoncashadjustments_170A8997E77D039157FBF836A60F8D11" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashInvestingAndFinancingItemsAbstract_29A74089EA301BCB0A6AF836A60F3A8D" xlink:to="loc_qep_Changeincapitalexpenditureaccrualsandothernoncashadjustments_170A8997E77D039157FBF836A60F8D11" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeUnaudited" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeUnauditedParenthetical" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B012AEBCB19C92F6ADF9DA577B80DE28" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_3B11159D466C16B3A74ADA577B7F69B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B012AEBCB19C92F6ADF9DA577B80DE28" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_3B11159D466C16B3A74ADA577B7F69B0" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_971130C09EA2D570A6CFDA577B7F4F8B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_3B11159D466C16B3A74ADA577B7F69B0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_971130C09EA2D570A6CFDA577B7F4F8B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_605E5D0ABB4F59C75E06DA577B80203F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_971130C09EA2D570A6CFDA577B7F4F8B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_605E5D0ABB4F59C75E06DA577B80203F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_605E5D0ABB4F59C75E06DA577B80203F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_971130C09EA2D570A6CFDA577B7F4F8B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_605E5D0ABB4F59C75E06DA577B80203F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansNetUnamortizedGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansNetUnamortizedGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_CFB8731864C563DDB923DA577B80C214" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B012AEBCB19C92F6ADF9DA577B80DE28" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansNetUnamortizedGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_CFB8731864C563DDB923DA577B80C214" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTax_8344421E71583E72D260DA577B802A59" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B012AEBCB19C92F6ADF9DA577B80DE28" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTax_8344421E71583E72D260DA577B802A59" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperationsUnaudited" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/Debt" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/DebtNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_87F99E0C2AD1B326DB5BDF959BDFD3F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_9ECAC39C255295709BADDF959BDFC184" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_87F99E0C2AD1B326DB5BDF959BDFD3F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_9ECAC39C255295709BADDF959BDFC184" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_4186ECADE46D4C7CE9A3DF959BDFE24C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_9ECAC39C255295709BADDF959BDFC184" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_4186ECADE46D4C7CE9A3DF959BDFE24C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_54B111BA141DF70E44E9DF959BDF149B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_4186ECADE46D4C7CE9A3DF959BDFE24C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_54B111BA141DF70E44E9DF959BDF149B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_54B111BA141DF70E44E9DF959BDF149B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_4186ECADE46D4C7CE9A3DF959BDFE24C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_54B111BA141DF70E44E9DF959BDF149B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember_16C9213FA8F0C01A6F6BDF959BDFD785" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_54B111BA141DF70E44E9DF959BDF149B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember_16C9213FA8F0C01A6F6BDF959BDFD785" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_SeniorNotesDue2018Member" xlink:label="loc_qep_SeniorNotesDue2018Member_196281B02B306D352700DF959BDFA25F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_54B111BA141DF70E44E9DF959BDF149B" xlink:to="loc_qep_SeniorNotesDue2018Member_196281B02B306D352700DF959BDFA25F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_SeniorNotesDue2020Member" xlink:label="loc_qep_SeniorNotesDue2020Member_AB6A34FE2E1BE92BBA87DF959BDF4376" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_54B111BA141DF70E44E9DF959BDF149B" xlink:to="loc_qep_SeniorNotesDue2020Member_AB6A34FE2E1BE92BBA87DF959BDF4376" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_SeniorNotesDue2021Member" xlink:label="loc_qep_SeniorNotesDue2021Member_8082CB0DFC90160BB44CDF959BDF64ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_54B111BA141DF70E44E9DF959BDF149B" xlink:to="loc_qep_SeniorNotesDue2021Member_8082CB0DFC90160BB44CDF959BDF64ED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_SeniorNotesDue2022Member" xlink:label="loc_qep_SeniorNotesDue2022Member_02E390A7C3D39C85AF4CDF959BDFB848" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_54B111BA141DF70E44E9DF959BDF149B" xlink:to="loc_qep_SeniorNotesDue2022Member_02E390A7C3D39C85AF4CDF959BDFB848" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_EDC66B490DCEE87B40DFDF959BDFFAAF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_87F99E0C2AD1B326DB5BDF959BDFD3F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_EDC66B490DCEE87B40DFDF959BDFFAAF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_A69A6BA1A8A5678C5B90DF959BDF4DD5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_87F99E0C2AD1B326DB5BDF959BDFD3F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_A69A6BA1A8A5678C5B90DF959BDF4DD5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate_C1A288E08128EC72CC93DF959BDF344B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_87F99E0C2AD1B326DB5BDF959BDFD3F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate_C1A288E08128EC72CC93DF959BDF344B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_DebtMaturityPeriod" xlink:label="loc_qep_DebtMaturityPeriod_89E5176169BA6431F1A5DF959BDF8140" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_87F99E0C2AD1B326DB5BDF959BDFD3F4" xlink:to="loc_qep_DebtMaturityPeriod_89E5176169BA6431F1A5DF959BDF8140" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity_2F96730B6F20BA5E4A0EDF959BDF8539" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_87F99E0C2AD1B326DB5BDF959BDFD3F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity_2F96730B6F20BA5E4A0EDF959BDF8539" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtWeightedAverageInterestRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtWeightedAverageInterestRate_2FEBF55EC7B3F5CA7D34DF959BDFBCC6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_87F99E0C2AD1B326DB5BDF959BDFD3F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtWeightedAverageInterestRate_2FEBF55EC7B3F5CA7D34DF959BDFBCC6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_CD24B7DC94531C384A75DF959BDFDFF6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_87F99E0C2AD1B326DB5BDF959BDFD3F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_CD24B7DC94531C384A75DF959BDFDFF6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeniorNotes" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeniorNotes_E594EACF549397933AD3DF959BDF2019" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_87F99E0C2AD1B326DB5BDF959BDFD3F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeniorNotes_E594EACF549397933AD3DF959BDF2019" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDateRangeStart1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDateRangeStart1_70EA69765CAA9C8B6594DF959BDFA45B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_87F99E0C2AD1B326DB5BDF959BDFD3F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDateRangeStart1_70EA69765CAA9C8B6594DF959BDFA45B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDateRangeEnd1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDateRangeEnd1_55EAAC233842C08780C0DF959BDF66C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_87F99E0C2AD1B326DB5BDF959BDFD3F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDateRangeEnd1_55EAAC233842C08780C0DF959BDF66C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_DebtinstrumentStatedRateRangeMinimum" xlink:label="loc_qep_DebtinstrumentStatedRateRangeMinimum_7B0293808F7C3BBA9220DF959BDF07B3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_87F99E0C2AD1B326DB5BDF959BDFD3F4" xlink:to="loc_qep_DebtinstrumentStatedRateRangeMinimum_7B0293808F7C3BBA9220DF959BDF07B3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_DebtInstrumentStatedRateRangeMaximum" xlink:label="loc_qep_DebtInstrumentStatedRateRangeMaximum_B36FD30FCA9635D44F40DF959BDF3285" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_87F99E0C2AD1B326DB5BDF959BDFD3F4" xlink:to="loc_qep_DebtInstrumentStatedRateRangeMaximum_B36FD30FCA9635D44F40DF959BDF3285" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/DebtScheduleOfDebtInstrumentsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_45AEBA40205378B0CBB1D989348977EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_4D1C6C37B1A10E83B6F2D98934894DE3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_45AEBA40205378B0CBB1D989348977EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_4D1C6C37B1A10E83B6F2D98934894DE3" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_819E8625E4DF364D6FCDD98934893BC5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_4D1C6C37B1A10E83B6F2D98934894DE3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_819E8625E4DF364D6FCDD98934893BC5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_8037F49A70F59FFC253FD9893489321C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_819E8625E4DF364D6FCDD98934893BC5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_8037F49A70F59FFC253FD9893489321C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_8037F49A70F59FFC253FD9893489321C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_819E8625E4DF364D6FCDD98934893BC5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_8037F49A70F59FFC253FD9893489321C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember_178442F928DCD12035ADD9893489A14C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_8037F49A70F59FFC253FD9893489321C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember_178442F928DCD12035ADD9893489A14C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_SeniorNotesDue2018Member" xlink:label="loc_qep_SeniorNotesDue2018Member_C4A2146DF8A75D935DE2D98934898FD8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_8037F49A70F59FFC253FD9893489321C" xlink:to="loc_qep_SeniorNotesDue2018Member_C4A2146DF8A75D935DE2D98934898FD8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_SeniorNotesDue2020Member" xlink:label="loc_qep_SeniorNotesDue2020Member_D760066008465F4655F4D989348980E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_8037F49A70F59FFC253FD9893489321C" xlink:to="loc_qep_SeniorNotesDue2020Member_D760066008465F4655F4D989348980E2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_SeniorNotesDue2021Member" xlink:label="loc_qep_SeniorNotesDue2021Member_D2F5F7479E2B5FB23625D989348953C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_8037F49A70F59FFC253FD9893489321C" xlink:to="loc_qep_SeniorNotesDue2021Member_D2F5F7479E2B5FB23625D989348953C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_SeniorNotesDue2022Member" xlink:label="loc_qep_SeniorNotesDue2022Member_FAD4F01CB36F4858FE8DD98934895EB4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_8037F49A70F59FFC253FD9893489321C" xlink:to="loc_qep_SeniorNotesDue2022Member_FAD4F01CB36F4858FE8DD98934895EB4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_A525SeniorNotesDue2023Member" xlink:label="loc_qep_A525SeniorNotesDue2023Member_3F306A84C1067E6C3298D98934899700" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_8037F49A70F59FFC253FD9893489321C" xlink:to="loc_qep_A525SeniorNotesDue2023Member_3F306A84C1067E6C3298D98934899700" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_A5.625SeniorNotesDue2026Member" xlink:label="loc_qep_A5.625SeniorNotesDue2026Member_C4C6CCD5ACB8AA5B41B9D9897AD14B73" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_8037F49A70F59FFC253FD9893489321C" xlink:to="loc_qep_A5.625SeniorNotesDue2026Member_C4C6CCD5ACB8AA5B41B9D9897AD14B73" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_E46D9A577C7B85CFE596D98934897542" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_45AEBA40205378B0CBB1D989348977EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_E46D9A577C7B85CFE596D98934897542" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount_00402A21FB52396A89BDD989348A9631" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_45AEBA40205378B0CBB1D989348977EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount_00402A21FB52396A89BDD989348A9631" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_701F4F97DD2A250BB9F7D989348A3EE1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_45AEBA40205378B0CBB1D989348977EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_701F4F97DD2A250BB9F7D989348A3EE1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_D2226302634E8868C27DD989348A92B3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_45AEBA40205378B0CBB1D989348977EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_D2226302634E8868C27DD989348A92B3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent_AFF2FB73A1472D501F82D989348A3526" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_45AEBA40205378B0CBB1D989348977EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent_AFF2FB73A1472D501F82D989348A3526" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/DebtTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/DerivativeContracts" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/DerivativeContractsGainLossInStatementOfFinancialPerformanceDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_4A0054924AF16D7F5D7B241D3EFA053D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_3A361AD4A41E8B920313241D3EFA43C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_4A0054924AF16D7F5D7B241D3EFA053D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_3A361AD4A41E8B920313241D3EFA43C2" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AverageSalesPriceAndProductionCostsPerUnitOfProductionProductionTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AverageSalesPriceAndProductionCostsPerUnitOfProductionProductionTypeAxis_48CF3CAEA6DCB50043D0241D3EFA2D4D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_3A361AD4A41E8B920313241D3EFA43C2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AverageSalesPriceAndProductionCostsPerUnitOfProductionProductionTypeAxis_48CF3CAEA6DCB50043D0241D3EFA2D4D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductionTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductionTypeDomain_F2AD69EC7E151128076C241D3EFADA29_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AverageSalesPriceAndProductionCostsPerUnitOfProductionProductionTypeAxis_48CF3CAEA6DCB50043D0241D3EFA2D4D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductionTypeDomain_F2AD69EC7E151128076C241D3EFADA29_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductionTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductionTypeDomain_F2AD69EC7E151128076C241D3EFADA29" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AverageSalesPriceAndProductionCostsPerUnitOfProductionProductionTypeAxis_48CF3CAEA6DCB50043D0241D3EFA2D4D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductionTypeDomain_F2AD69EC7E151128076C241D3EFADA29" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_TotalMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_TotalMember_96FE4A18487EA7C383C8241D3EFA6A63" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductionTypeDomain_F2AD69EC7E151128076C241D3EFADA29" xlink:to="loc_qep_TotalMember_96FE4A18487EA7C383C8241D3EFA6A63" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_BusinessDivestitureAxis" xlink:label="loc_qep_BusinessDivestitureAxis_51981B86057BCB7275FC241D3EFA0E80" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_3A361AD4A41E8B920313241D3EFA43C2" xlink:to="loc_qep_BusinessDivestitureAxis_51981B86057BCB7275FC241D3EFA0E80" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_BusinessDivestitureDomain" xlink:label="loc_qep_BusinessDivestitureDomain_29275C53991379E75D86241D3EFAC91C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_qep_BusinessDivestitureAxis_51981B86057BCB7275FC241D3EFA0E80" xlink:to="loc_qep_BusinessDivestitureDomain_29275C53991379E75D86241D3EFAC91C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_BusinessDivestitureDomain" xlink:label="loc_qep_BusinessDivestitureDomain_29275C53991379E75D86241D3EFAC91C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_qep_BusinessDivestitureAxis_51981B86057BCB7275FC241D3EFA0E80" xlink:to="loc_qep_BusinessDivestitureDomain_29275C53991379E75D86241D3EFAC91C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_PinedaleDivestitureMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_PinedaleDivestitureMember_F472A044B9EC8EFD8C66241D3EFAE573" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_BusinessDivestitureDomain_29275C53991379E75D86241D3EFAC91C" xlink:to="loc_qep_PinedaleDivestitureMember_F472A044B9EC8EFD8C66241D3EFAE573" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_DerivativeInstrumentContractTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_qep_DerivativeInstrumentContractTypeAxis_01FABE494601B4B7BE72241D3EFAA58A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_3A361AD4A41E8B920313241D3EFA43C2" xlink:to="loc_qep_DerivativeInstrumentContractTypeAxis_01FABE494601B4B7BE72241D3EFAA58A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_DerivativeInstrumentContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_qep_DerivativeInstrumentContractTypeDomain_2062A18CB08725DD7D1A241D3EFA8ECA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_qep_DerivativeInstrumentContractTypeAxis_01FABE494601B4B7BE72241D3EFAA58A" xlink:to="loc_qep_DerivativeInstrumentContractTypeDomain_2062A18CB08725DD7D1A241D3EFA8ECA_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_DerivativeInstrumentContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_qep_DerivativeInstrumentContractTypeDomain_2062A18CB08725DD7D1A241D3EFA8ECA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_qep_DerivativeInstrumentContractTypeAxis_01FABE494601B4B7BE72241D3EFAA58A" xlink:to="loc_qep_DerivativeInstrumentContractTypeDomain_2062A18CB08725DD7D1A241D3EFA8ECA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_NGLderivativecontractsMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_NGLderivativecontractsMember_8BE93734CEAAAE9D643A241D3EFA9FFB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_DerivativeInstrumentContractTypeDomain_2062A18CB08725DD7D1A241D3EFA8ECA" xlink:to="loc_qep_NGLderivativecontractsMember_8BE93734CEAAAE9D643A241D3EFA9FFB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_OilDerivativeContractsMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_OilDerivativeContractsMember_39546D762BC33C8580FC241D3EFA42E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_DerivativeInstrumentContractTypeDomain_2062A18CB08725DD7D1A241D3EFA8ECA" xlink:to="loc_qep_OilDerivativeContractsMember_39546D762BC33C8580FC241D3EFA42E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_NaturalGasDerivativeContractsMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_NaturalGasDerivativeContractsMember_89104C4D8636FACD1740241D3EFA5919" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_DerivativeInstrumentContractTypeDomain_2062A18CB08725DD7D1A241D3EFA8ECA" xlink:to="loc_qep_NaturalGasDerivativeContractsMember_89104C4D8636FACD1740241D3EFA5919" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_BCA89BFEA952C8DD1BDF241D3EFAA9DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_3A361AD4A41E8B920313241D3EFA43C2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_BCA89BFEA952C8DD1BDF241D3EFAA9DD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_B629FF14F1316EB78830241D3EFA2AC6_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_BCA89BFEA952C8DD1BDF241D3EFAA9DD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_B629FF14F1316EB78830241D3EFA2AC6_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_B629FF14F1316EB78830241D3EFA2AC6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_BCA89BFEA952C8DD1BDF241D3EFAA9DD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_B629FF14F1316EB78830241D3EFA2AC6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_ProductionMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_ProductionMember_7160D5EF464C83604781241D3EFAC359" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_B629FF14F1316EB78830241D3EFA2AC6" xlink:to="loc_qep_ProductionMember_7160D5EF464C83604781241D3EFAC359" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_NaturalGasDerivativeContractsMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_NaturalGasDerivativeContractsMember_3D9BB5E724099A87304A241D3EFA0A5C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_B629FF14F1316EB78830241D3EFA2AC6" xlink:to="loc_qep_NaturalGasDerivativeContractsMember_3D9BB5E724099A87304A241D3EFA0A5C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_OilDerivativeContractsMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_OilDerivativeContractsMember_5153DE247AC747EA4A4D241D3EFA2827" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_B629FF14F1316EB78830241D3EFA2AC6" xlink:to="loc_qep_OilDerivativeContractsMember_5153DE247AC747EA4A4D241D3EFA2827" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_StorageMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_StorageMember_0F000AA864ECDEC9E4E2241D3EFAD7E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_B629FF14F1316EB78830241D3EFA2AC6" xlink:to="loc_qep_StorageMember_0F000AA864ECDEC9E4E2241D3EFAD7E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_69C883B9D8E4D8AA0D33241D3EFAF71F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_3A361AD4A41E8B920313241D3EFA43C2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_69C883B9D8E4D8AA0D33241D3EFAF71F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_955A7E3DC5F31974B4B9241D3EFAF470_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_69C883B9D8E4D8AA0D33241D3EFAF71F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_955A7E3DC5F31974B4B9241D3EFAF470_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_955A7E3DC5F31974B4B9241D3EFAF470" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_69C883B9D8E4D8AA0D33241D3EFAF71F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_955A7E3DC5F31974B4B9241D3EFAF470" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_RealizedGainLossOnCommodityDerivativeContractsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstruments" xlink:label="loc_qep_RealizedGainLossOnCommodityDerivativeContractsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstruments_53B711F73E851573C5C1241D3EFAB62F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_4A0054924AF16D7F5D7B241D3EFA053D" xlink:to="loc_qep_RealizedGainLossOnCommodityDerivativeContractsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstruments_53B711F73E851573C5C1241D3EFAB62F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_UnrealizedGainLossOnCommodityDerivativeContractsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstruments" xlink:label="loc_qep_UnrealizedGainLossOnCommodityDerivativeContractsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstruments_3BB2C6D2D18A00699811241D3EFAFA95" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_4A0054924AF16D7F5D7B241D3EFA053D" xlink:to="loc_qep_UnrealizedGainLossOnCommodityDerivativeContractsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstruments_3BB2C6D2D18A00699811241D3EFAFA95" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_RealizedAndUnrealizedGainLossOnCommodityDerivativeContractsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstruments" xlink:label="loc_qep_RealizedAndUnrealizedGainLossOnCommodityDerivativeContractsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstruments_A10315E857CA27011498241D3EFACE92" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_4A0054924AF16D7F5D7B241D3EFA053D" xlink:to="loc_qep_RealizedAndUnrealizedGainLossOnCommodityDerivativeContractsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstruments_A10315E857CA27011498241D3EFACE92" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/DerivativeContractsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_27E7438ECBC45324A031241D3EFAABDC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_438241B966B8830FDF2D241D3EFA8157" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_27E7438ECBC45324A031241D3EFAABDC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_438241B966B8830FDF2D241D3EFA8157" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_1CFD595445675DB0A39C241D3EFA7F69" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_438241B966B8830FDF2D241D3EFA8157" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_1CFD595445675DB0A39C241D3EFA7F69" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_FB47DC029B7FC5BBB0D9241D3EFAE135_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_1CFD595445675DB0A39C241D3EFA7F69" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_FB47DC029B7FC5BBB0D9241D3EFAE135_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_FB47DC029B7FC5BBB0D9241D3EFAE135" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_1CFD595445675DB0A39C241D3EFA7F69" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_FB47DC029B7FC5BBB0D9241D3EFAE135" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_73BEA7C0B3637ACE6BCB241D3EFA6BCE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_438241B966B8830FDF2D241D3EFA8157" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_73BEA7C0B3637ACE6BCB241D3EFA6BCE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_9E6874F1B173F911356F241D3EFACD73_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_73BEA7C0B3637ACE6BCB241D3EFA6BCE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_9E6874F1B173F911356F241D3EFACD73_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_9E6874F1B173F911356F241D3EFACD73" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_73BEA7C0B3637ACE6BCB241D3EFA6BCE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_9E6874F1B173F911356F241D3EFACD73" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_781CE487857CD73A40F0241D3EFAB8E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_438241B966B8830FDF2D241D3EFA8157" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_781CE487857CD73A40F0241D3EFAB8E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_685F53DE518DAC3800C8241D3EFAC005_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_781CE487857CD73A40F0241D3EFAB8E9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_685F53DE518DAC3800C8241D3EFAC005_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_685F53DE518DAC3800C8241D3EFAC005" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_781CE487857CD73A40F0241D3EFAB8E9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_685F53DE518DAC3800C8241D3EFAC005" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_B4BC4291D80058079FDA241D3EFAEBE2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_685F53DE518DAC3800C8241D3EFAC005" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_B4BC4291D80058079FDA241D3EFAEBE2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_3DAADE821310ED4DA304241D3EFA13B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_685F53DE518DAC3800C8241D3EFAC005" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_3DAADE821310ED4DA304241D3EFA13B9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_MaximumForecastedProductionCoveredByDerivatives" xlink:label="loc_qep_MaximumForecastedProductionCoveredByDerivatives_6B13286C4EC1AF21BA61241D3EFAEA43" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_27E7438ECBC45324A031241D3EFAABDC" xlink:to="loc_qep_MaximumForecastedProductionCoveredByDerivatives_6B13286C4EC1AF21BA61241D3EFAEA43" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_ExpectedAnnualProductionCoveredByDerivatives" xlink:label="loc_qep_ExpectedAnnualProductionCoveredByDerivatives_7F139EAA63D5C722E982241D3EFA766C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_27E7438ECBC45324A031241D3EFAABDC" xlink:to="loc_qep_ExpectedAnnualProductionCoveredByDerivatives_7F139EAA63D5C722E982241D3EFA766C" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/DerivativeContractsScheduleOfCommodityDerivativeContractsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_98C7B43CF1178EDE789EE43FF2B860F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_CE2976C70333FF232556E43FF2B6F80F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_98C7B43CF1178EDE789EE43FF2B860F7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_CE2976C70333FF232556E43FF2B6F80F" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_DerivativeInstrumentContractTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_qep_DerivativeInstrumentContractTypeAxis_EA6C0DB94A0DF1CA4E03E43FF2B625E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_CE2976C70333FF232556E43FF2B6F80F" xlink:to="loc_qep_DerivativeInstrumentContractTypeAxis_EA6C0DB94A0DF1CA4E03E43FF2B625E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_DerivativeInstrumentContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_qep_DerivativeInstrumentContractTypeDomain_F0150AA78779A5F68A25E43FF2B7E029_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_qep_DerivativeInstrumentContractTypeAxis_EA6C0DB94A0DF1CA4E03E43FF2B625E1" xlink:to="loc_qep_DerivativeInstrumentContractTypeDomain_F0150AA78779A5F68A25E43FF2B7E029_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_DerivativeInstrumentContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_qep_DerivativeInstrumentContractTypeDomain_F0150AA78779A5F68A25E43FF2B7E029" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_qep_DerivativeInstrumentContractTypeAxis_EA6C0DB94A0DF1CA4E03E43FF2B625E1" xlink:to="loc_qep_DerivativeInstrumentContractTypeDomain_F0150AA78779A5F68A25E43FF2B7E029" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_GasSwapsMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_GasSwapsMember_3537141E54D15D2A7D08E43FF2B7673A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_DerivativeInstrumentContractTypeDomain_F0150AA78779A5F68A25E43FF2B7E029" xlink:to="loc_qep_GasSwapsMember_3537141E54D15D2A7D08E43FF2B7673A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_OilSwapsMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_OilSwapsMember_9FAB75BF727E26496133E43FF2B75983" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_DerivativeInstrumentContractTypeDomain_F0150AA78779A5F68A25E43FF2B7E029" xlink:to="loc_qep_OilSwapsMember_9FAB75BF727E26496133E43FF2B75983" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_OilBasisSwapsMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_OilBasisSwapsMember_5D5445BF49D5E67CBA60E43FF2B72611" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_DerivativeInstrumentContractTypeDomain_F0150AA78779A5F68A25E43FF2B7E029" xlink:to="loc_qep_OilBasisSwapsMember_5D5445BF49D5E67CBA60E43FF2B72611" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_GasBasisSwapsMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_GasBasisSwapsMember_1AFF53BBA39270D6825BE43FF2B76DF1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_DerivativeInstrumentContractTypeDomain_F0150AA78779A5F68A25E43FF2B7E029" xlink:to="loc_qep_GasBasisSwapsMember_1AFF53BBA39270D6825BE43FF2B76DF1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_DerivativeContractYearAxis" xlink:label="loc_qep_DerivativeContractYearAxis_C36AF2316538877660F9E43FF2B7C2E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_CE2976C70333FF232556E43FF2B6F80F" xlink:to="loc_qep_DerivativeContractYearAxis_C36AF2316538877660F9E43FF2B7C2E7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_DerivativeContractYearDomain" xlink:label="loc_qep_DerivativeContractYearDomain_A9B3981F0CB68484379EE43FF2B786BD_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_qep_DerivativeContractYearAxis_C36AF2316538877660F9E43FF2B7C2E7" xlink:to="loc_qep_DerivativeContractYearDomain_A9B3981F0CB68484379EE43FF2B786BD_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_DerivativeContractYearDomain" xlink:label="loc_qep_DerivativeContractYearDomain_A9B3981F0CB68484379EE43FF2B786BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_qep_DerivativeContractYearAxis_C36AF2316538877660F9E43FF2B7C2E7" xlink:to="loc_qep_DerivativeContractYearDomain_A9B3981F0CB68484379EE43FF2B786BD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_Year2018Member" xlink:label="loc_qep_Year2018Member_9230F6EA6FD095492CD0E43FF2B85742" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_DerivativeContractYearDomain_A9B3981F0CB68484379EE43FF2B786BD" xlink:to="loc_qep_Year2018Member_9230F6EA6FD095492CD0E43FF2B85742" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_Year2018JulythroughDecemberMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_Year2018JulythroughDecemberMember_0F871059D58E7EF90AE5E47E9A252DAD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_DerivativeContractYearDomain_A9B3981F0CB68484379EE43FF2B786BD" xlink:to="loc_qep_Year2018JulythroughDecemberMember_0F871059D58E7EF90AE5E47E9A252DAD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_Year2019Member" xlink:label="loc_qep_Year2019Member_9063355B9EE88A6604DFE43FF2B8BC5E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_DerivativeContractYearDomain_A9B3981F0CB68484379EE43FF2B786BD" xlink:to="loc_qep_Year2019Member_9063355B9EE88A6604DFE43FF2B8BC5E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_EnergyCommoditiesExchangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_qep_EnergyCommoditiesExchangeAxis_B024E86798F42FB895E5E43FF2B8A785" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_CE2976C70333FF232556E43FF2B6F80F" xlink:to="loc_qep_EnergyCommoditiesExchangeAxis_B024E86798F42FB895E5E43FF2B8A785" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_EnergyCommoditiesExchangeAbbreviationDomain" xlink:label="loc_qep_EnergyCommoditiesExchangeAbbreviationDomain_D8A974B5B22015E30E40E43FF2B805A4_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_qep_EnergyCommoditiesExchangeAxis_B024E86798F42FB895E5E43FF2B8A785" xlink:to="loc_qep_EnergyCommoditiesExchangeAbbreviationDomain_D8A974B5B22015E30E40E43FF2B805A4_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_EnergyCommoditiesExchangeAbbreviationDomain" xlink:label="loc_qep_EnergyCommoditiesExchangeAbbreviationDomain_D8A974B5B22015E30E40E43FF2B805A4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_qep_EnergyCommoditiesExchangeAxis_B024E86798F42FB895E5E43FF2B8A785" xlink:to="loc_qep_EnergyCommoditiesExchangeAbbreviationDomain_D8A974B5B22015E30E40E43FF2B805A4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_NymexWtiMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_NymexWtiMember_B101D796ED49F6CC6260E43FF2B8D3ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_EnergyCommoditiesExchangeAbbreviationDomain_D8A974B5B22015E30E40E43FF2B805A4" xlink:to="loc_qep_NymexWtiMember_B101D796ED49F6CC6260E43FF2B8D3ED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_NYMEXHHMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_NYMEXHHMember_45741A16D3C956DE11CAE43FF2B87AB9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_EnergyCommoditiesExchangeAbbreviationDomain_D8A974B5B22015E30E40E43FF2B805A4" xlink:to="loc_qep_NYMEXHHMember_45741A16D3C956DE11CAE43FF2B87AB9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_NYMEXWTIlessArgusWTIMidlandMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_NYMEXWTIlessArgusWTIMidlandMember_EF48EC89A0B852F0EAAEE43FF2B8FC92" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_EnergyCommoditiesExchangeAbbreviationDomain_D8A974B5B22015E30E40E43FF2B805A4" xlink:to="loc_qep_NYMEXWTIlessArgusWTIMidlandMember_EF48EC89A0B852F0EAAEE43FF2B8FC92" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_NYMEXHHLESSIFNPCRMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_NYMEXHHLESSIFNPCRMember_4FAAE387138BFD52B6D0E43FF2B8F1F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_EnergyCommoditiesExchangeAbbreviationDomain_D8A974B5B22015E30E40E43FF2B805A4" xlink:to="loc_qep_NYMEXHHLESSIFNPCRMember_4FAAE387138BFD52B6D0E43FF2B8F1F7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_DerivativeNonmonetaryNotionalAmount" xlink:label="loc_invest_DerivativeNonmonetaryNotionalAmount_71A4EA22F8173E24775DE43FF2B81161" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_98C7B43CF1178EDE789EE43FF2B860F7" xlink:to="loc_invest_DerivativeNonmonetaryNotionalAmount_71A4EA22F8173E24775DE43FF2B81161" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_AverageSwapPriceperUnit" xlink:label="loc_qep_AverageSwapPriceperUnit_A1A172BDD16F9F2B68CEE43FF2B830D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_98C7B43CF1178EDE789EE43FF2B860F7" xlink:to="loc_qep_AverageSwapPriceperUnit_A1A172BDD16F9F2B68CEE43FF2B830D8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnderlyingDerivative" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingDerivative_BA727D52193D67961385E43FF2B86560" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_98C7B43CF1178EDE789EE43FF2B860F7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingDerivative_BA727D52193D67961385E43FF2B86560" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/DerivativeContractsScheduleOfDerivativesFinancialStatementPresentationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_556F8DEB80AD390299C0DF959BEEACE2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_AD5DE1C8FDB42D471AF8DF959BEE2E14" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_556F8DEB80AD390299C0DF959BEEACE2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_AD5DE1C8FDB42D471AF8DF959BEE2E14" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_739E12BC22DD9E58ADA2DF959BEE8DE7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_AD5DE1C8FDB42D471AF8DF959BEE2E14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_739E12BC22DD9E58ADA2DF959BEE8DE7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_010C768EBC0E8F7A36ACDF959BEEE82E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_739E12BC22DD9E58ADA2DF959BEE8DE7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_010C768EBC0E8F7A36ACDF959BEEE82E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_010C768EBC0E8F7A36ACDF959BEEE82E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_739E12BC22DD9E58ADA2DF959BEE8DE7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_010C768EBC0E8F7A36ACDF959BEEE82E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_4D7D983BFEF1213B7BFFDF959BEE17F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_010C768EBC0E8F7A36ACDF959BEEE82E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_4D7D983BFEF1213B7BFFDF959BEE17F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_6365CA93D76FB5BBF4FCDF959BEEFBD2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_AD5DE1C8FDB42D471AF8DF959BEE2E14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_6365CA93D76FB5BBF4FCDF959BEEFBD2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_2C9B3DF2838DA8B1F812DF959BEE764D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_6365CA93D76FB5BBF4FCDF959BEEFBD2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_2C9B3DF2838DA8B1F812DF959BEE764D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_2C9B3DF2838DA8B1F812DF959BEE764D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_6365CA93D76FB5BBF4FCDF959BEEFBD2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_2C9B3DF2838DA8B1F812DF959BEE764D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_89BD6F3354DA975EF3A2DF959BEE11CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_2C9B3DF2838DA8B1F812DF959BEE764D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_89BD6F3354DA975EF3A2DF959BEE11CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_C90117BAF4E8E35A78A0DF959BEE4982" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_AD5DE1C8FDB42D471AF8DF959BEE2E14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_C90117BAF4E8E35A78A0DF959BEE4982" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_9FE914832B9A0A00BA5ADF959BEE6ABD_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_C90117BAF4E8E35A78A0DF959BEE4982" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_9FE914832B9A0A00BA5ADF959BEE6ABD_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_9FE914832B9A0A00BA5ADF959BEE6ABD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_C90117BAF4E8E35A78A0DF959BEE4982" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_9FE914832B9A0A00BA5ADF959BEE6ABD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommodityContractMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommodityContractMember_472A48D04C1E62D74B01DF959BEE4E51" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_9FE914832B9A0A00BA5ADF959BEE6ABD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommodityContractMember_472A48D04C1E62D74B01DF959BEE4E51" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_48BDBABB364CEBEBBAEBDF959BEE31FB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_AD5DE1C8FDB42D471AF8DF959BEE2E14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_48BDBABB364CEBEBBAEBDF959BEE31FB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_5203141A98E576B3AD83DF959BEE6851_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_48BDBABB364CEBEBBAEBDF959BEE31FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_5203141A98E576B3AD83DF959BEE6851_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_5203141A98E576B3AD83DF959BEE6851" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_48BDBABB364CEBEBBAEBDF959BEE31FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_5203141A98E576B3AD83DF959BEE6851" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_ShortTermMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_ShortTermMember_5B803CAE063D655D9D45DF959BEE3F2F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_5203141A98E576B3AD83DF959BEE6851" xlink:to="loc_qep_ShortTermMember_5B803CAE063D655D9D45DF959BEE3F2F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_LongTermMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_LongTermMember_403644A002CD5F1568EEDF959BEE8A27" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_5203141A98E576B3AD83DF959BEE6851" xlink:to="loc_qep_LongTermMember_403644A002CD5F1568EEDF959BEE8A27" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_44468B77998EFBF437BDDF959BEE8E7C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_556F8DEB80AD390299C0DF959BEEACE2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_44468B77998EFBF437BDDF959BEE8E7C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_A3FA18B2F1AAAB73D350DF959BEE67CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_556F8DEB80AD390299C0DF959BEEACE2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_A3FA18B2F1AAAB73D350DF959BEE67CF" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/DerivativeContractsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/EarningsPerShare" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/EarningsPerShareComponentsOfBasicAndDilutedSharesUsedInEpsCalculationDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/EarningsPerShareEarningsPerShareNonPrintingDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/EarningsPerShareTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/EmployeeBenefits" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems_FD96CFEA7ACBAC38E34E241D3E1017E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_A0FFAAF369310ABE9AFC241D3E10B79E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems_FD96CFEA7ACBAC38E34E241D3E1017E4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_A0FFAAF369310ABE9AFC241D3E10B79E" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_F91F3B48406D4DE16C08241D3E10E463" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_A0FFAAF369310ABE9AFC241D3E10B79E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_F91F3B48406D4DE16C08241D3E10E463" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_9CB8710EE761A3DC41F6241D3E107685_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_F91F3B48406D4DE16C08241D3E10E463" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_9CB8710EE761A3DC41F6241D3E107685_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_9CB8710EE761A3DC41F6241D3E107685" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_F91F3B48406D4DE16C08241D3E10E463" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_9CB8710EE761A3DC41F6241D3E107685" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsDisclosureTextBlock_01717CD16627BF247677241D3E10461F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems_FD96CFEA7ACBAC38E34E241D3E1017E4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsDisclosureTextBlock_01717CD16627BF247677241D3E10461F" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/EmployeeBenefitsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems_0BB2A88D2C89EAE3354FD981951C4CE3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_89678F498A49F9192274D981951B12B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems_0BB2A88D2C89EAE3354FD981951C4CE3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_89678F498A49F9192274D981951B12B9" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_BusinessDivestitureAxis" xlink:label="loc_qep_BusinessDivestitureAxis_301437394086CD72B3FBD981951BFECC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_89678F498A49F9192274D981951B12B9" xlink:to="loc_qep_BusinessDivestitureAxis_301437394086CD72B3FBD981951BFECC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_BusinessDivestitureDomain" xlink:label="loc_qep_BusinessDivestitureDomain_630A731224B043065B71D981951C68AA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_qep_BusinessDivestitureAxis_301437394086CD72B3FBD981951BFECC" xlink:to="loc_qep_BusinessDivestitureDomain_630A731224B043065B71D981951C68AA_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_BusinessDivestitureDomain" xlink:label="loc_qep_BusinessDivestitureDomain_630A731224B043065B71D981951C68AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_qep_BusinessDivestitureAxis_301437394086CD72B3FBD981951BFECC" xlink:to="loc_qep_BusinessDivestitureDomain_630A731224B043065B71D981951C68AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_PinedaleDivestitureMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_PinedaleDivestitureMember_C36B7883B7680F585411D981951CCD6A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_BusinessDivestitureDomain_630A731224B043065B71D981951C68AA" xlink:to="loc_qep_PinedaleDivestitureMember_C36B7883B7680F585411D981951CCD6A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_AB748FDB987963A7034AD981951C7289" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_89678F498A49F9192274D981951B12B9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_AB748FDB987963A7034AD981951C7289" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_1414133BED54D3CCC93FD981951CEE36_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_AB748FDB987963A7034AD981951C7289" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_1414133BED54D3CCC93FD981951CEE36_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_1414133BED54D3CCC93FD981951CEE36" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_AB748FDB987963A7034AD981951C7289" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_1414133BED54D3CCC93FD981951CEE36" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_D2296F135455739CF574D981951CCF78" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_1414133BED54D3CCC93FD981951CEE36" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_D2296F135455739CF574D981951CCF78" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_SERPMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_SERPMember_D653115D28D8F954A255D981951C6610" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_1414133BED54D3CCC93FD981951CEE36" xlink:to="loc_qep_SERPMember_D653115D28D8F954A255D981951C6610" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_MedicalPlanMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_MedicalPlanMember_17597405590F4A1115D7D981951C236C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_1414133BED54D3CCC93FD981951CEE36" xlink:to="loc_qep_MedicalPlanMember_17597405590F4A1115D7D981951C236C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer_9ADE5AA7F72682B49C7DD981951C16F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems_0BB2A88D2C89EAE3354FD981951C4CE3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer_9ADE5AA7F72682B49C7DD981951C16F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansEstimatedFutureEmployerContributionsInCurrentFiscalYear" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansEstimatedFutureEmployerContributionsInCurrentFiscalYear_99409D0A4C9B4545D88DD981951CD176" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems_0BB2A88D2C89EAE3354FD981951C4CE3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansEstimatedFutureEmployerContributionsInCurrentFiscalYear_99409D0A4C9B4545D88DD981951CD176" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCurtailments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCurtailments_2A0DFA69B7924302E3DFD981951C56DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems_0BB2A88D2C89EAE3354FD981951C4CE3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCurtailments_2A0DFA69B7924302E3DFD981951C56DF" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/EmployeeBenefitsScheduleOfNetPeriodicBenefitCostDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems_E30168F7DABE7244B2A0241D3E00DD86" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_156A184F2B8D768846CD241D3E00B03D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems_E30168F7DABE7244B2A0241D3E00DD86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_156A184F2B8D768846CD241D3E00B03D" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_FE7C13074CD93A19CE03241D3E004D4A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_156A184F2B8D768846CD241D3E00B03D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_FE7C13074CD93A19CE03241D3E004D4A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_B4426AADC7449E98EEB5241D3E00F777_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_FE7C13074CD93A19CE03241D3E004D4A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_B4426AADC7449E98EEB5241D3E00F777_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_B4426AADC7449E98EEB5241D3E00F777" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_FE7C13074CD93A19CE03241D3E004D4A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_B4426AADC7449E98EEB5241D3E00F777" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_PensionPlanandSERPMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_PensionPlanandSERPMember_03FF01FF1D29C85CA7CD241D3E00DE08" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_B4426AADC7449E98EEB5241D3E00F777" xlink:to="loc_qep_PensionPlanandSERPMember_03FF01FF1D29C85CA7CD241D3E00DE08" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_MedicalPlanMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_MedicalPlanMember_101D2874DAF33F687902241D3E00A290" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_B4426AADC7449E98EEB5241D3E00F777" xlink:to="loc_qep_MedicalPlanMember_101D2874DAF33F687902241D3E00A290" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost_83693AFA2763F29649EC241D3E00B204" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems_E30168F7DABE7244B2A0241D3E00DD86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost_83693AFA2763F29649EC241D3E00B204" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost_4EC6867370956DD749BC241D3E00175E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems_E30168F7DABE7244B2A0241D3E00DD86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost_4EC6867370956DD749BC241D3E00175E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets_59C3531A87D7D631F4A0241D3E00D3EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems_E30168F7DABE7244B2A0241D3E00DD86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets_59C3531A87D7D631F4A0241D3E00D3EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit_E88D3B9F92B1AEDCC017241D3E008EEC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems_E30168F7DABE7244B2A0241D3E00DD86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit_E88D3B9F92B1AEDCC017241D3E008EEC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses_6E216AD43C459CEE8C19241D3E00B166" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems_E30168F7DABE7244B2A0241D3E00DD86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses_6E216AD43C459CEE8C19241D3E00B166" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCurtailments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCurtailments_93F8368FC96428DEC719241D3E001013" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems_E30168F7DABE7244B2A0241D3E00DD86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCurtailments_93F8368FC96428DEC719241D3E001013" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost_671A2E3BF3EFDE68AF37241D3E00AF92" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems_E30168F7DABE7244B2A0241D3E00DD86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost_671A2E3BF3EFDE68AF37241D3E00AF92" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/EmployeeBenefitsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/FairValueMeasurements" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsFairValueAndRelatedCarryingAmountOfCertainFinancialInstrumentsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_6C54C3901B351AF5DF8DF8700F26C75B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_916B27CAA9FC7801816EF8700F263680" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_6C54C3901B351AF5DF8DF8700F26C75B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_916B27CAA9FC7801816EF8700F263680" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_5B7017A4B93267162380F87617A53A8F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_916B27CAA9FC7801816EF8700F263680" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_5B7017A4B93267162380F87617A53A8F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_D8FA6E6339146238841AF87659CDA661" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_5B7017A4B93267162380F87617A53A8F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_D8FA6E6339146238841AF87659CDA661" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember_7D372054D0FFE44DC197F87659CDAA97" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_D8FA6E6339146238841AF87659CDA661" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember_7D372054D0FFE44DC197F87659CDAA97" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_6F77CC79194E745F08F0F87659CDFBFA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_D8FA6E6339146238841AF87659CDA661" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_6F77CC79194E745F08F0F87659CDFBFA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties_96E1681B5E78CEC16B3CF8700F261965" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_6C54C3901B351AF5DF8DF8700F26C75B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties_96E1681B5E78CEC16B3CF8700F261965" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_9FD9A2B27D8DEB6686AFF8700F26BB18" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_6C54C3901B351AF5DF8DF8700F26C75B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_9FD9A2B27D8DEB6686AFF8700F26BB18" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_EA2571AB4801A5FE4209F8700F26A8C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_6C54C3901B351AF5DF8DF8700F26C75B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_EA2571AB4801A5FE4209F8700F26A8C4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BankOverdrafts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BankOverdrafts_7A856A2C3CF14EF7A48AF8700F26EEB5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_6C54C3901B351AF5DF8DF8700F26C75B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BankOverdrafts_7A856A2C3CF14EF7A48AF8700F26EEB5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_A5D819C9BA1154926C56F8700F26A1C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_6C54C3901B351AF5DF8DF8700F26C75B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_A5D819C9BA1154926C56F8700F26A1C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue_8524E11D984E6552C5EAF8700F269483" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_6C54C3901B351AF5DF8DF8700F26C75B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue_8524E11D984E6552C5EAF8700F269483" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsFairValueOfFinancialAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_3B070E375040C3DC6C32E43FF2CFDC64" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_DD094F3D25FCC6959434E43FF2CE97D0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_3B070E375040C3DC6C32E43FF2CFDC64" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_DD094F3D25FCC6959434E43FF2CE97D0" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_F9252FF8975C4B7DE942E43FF2CF263B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_DD094F3D25FCC6959434E43FF2CE97D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_F9252FF8975C4B7DE942E43FF2CF263B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_5D45D32E39191BD09032E43FF2CFE832_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_F9252FF8975C4B7DE942E43FF2CF263B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_5D45D32E39191BD09032E43FF2CFE832_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_5D45D32E39191BD09032E43FF2CFE832" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_F9252FF8975C4B7DE942E43FF2CF263B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_5D45D32E39191BD09032E43FF2CFE832" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_ShortTermMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_ShortTermMember_7784DFC63441C8CDC2D2E43FF2CFDAC0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_5D45D32E39191BD09032E43FF2CFE832" xlink:to="loc_qep_ShortTermMember_7784DFC63441C8CDC2D2E43FF2CFDAC0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_LongTermMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_LongTermMember_8BEE75881A6340645871E43FF2CFB341" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_5D45D32E39191BD09032E43FF2CFE832" xlink:to="loc_qep_LongTermMember_8BEE75881A6340645871E43FF2CFB341" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_BDAF1D989626C70A1318E43FF2CF0B79" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_DD094F3D25FCC6959434E43FF2CE97D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_BDAF1D989626C70A1318E43FF2CF0B79" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_FF44EB0EB99843E6DE1BE43FF2CF52E4_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_BDAF1D989626C70A1318E43FF2CF0B79" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_FF44EB0EB99843E6DE1BE43FF2CF52E4_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_FF44EB0EB99843E6DE1BE43FF2CF52E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_BDAF1D989626C70A1318E43FF2CF0B79" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_FF44EB0EB99843E6DE1BE43FF2CF52E4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_25D5BBD0598E4338C065E43FF2CF2BDA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_FF44EB0EB99843E6DE1BE43FF2CF52E4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_25D5BBD0598E4338C065E43FF2CF2BDA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_A3C172AEF3B9DF1D49A7E43FF2CF2435" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_FF44EB0EB99843E6DE1BE43FF2CF52E4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_A3C172AEF3B9DF1D49A7E43FF2CF2435" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_5B28DD1C21EDD113C73EE43FF2CF13D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_FF44EB0EB99843E6DE1BE43FF2CF52E4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_5B28DD1C21EDD113C73EE43FF2CF13D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsAbstract_05D5BC2C9AB666B1D4B6E43FF2CF8291" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_3B070E375040C3DC6C32E43FF2CFDC64" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsAbstract_05D5BC2C9AB666B1D4B6E43FF2CF8291" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_429919F561EE0E56EC87E43FF2D0002E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsAbstract_05D5BC2C9AB666B1D4B6E43FF2CF8291" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_429919F561EE0E56EC87E43FF2D0002E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAssetAmountOffsetAgainstCollateral" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAssetAmountOffsetAgainstCollateral_1F99A3DF4A40F8B15159E43FF2D0F010" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsAbstract_05D5BC2C9AB666B1D4B6E43FF2CF8291" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAssetAmountOffsetAgainstCollateral_1F99A3DF4A40F8B15159E43FF2D0F010" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets_C72E78D93CA09859D80FE43FF2D07FB9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsAbstract_05D5BC2C9AB666B1D4B6E43FF2CF8291" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets_C72E78D93CA09859D80FE43FF2D07FB9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesAbstract_F32A386E7B73FF229780E43FF2D0A3B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_3B070E375040C3DC6C32E43FF2CFDC64" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesAbstract_F32A386E7B73FF229780E43FF2D0A3B9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_056B320744B2BD9BA3DCE43FF2D0C334" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesAbstract_F32A386E7B73FF229780E43FF2D0A3B9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_056B320744B2BD9BA3DCE43FF2D0C334" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiabilityAmountOffsetAgainstCollateral" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiabilityAmountOffsetAgainstCollateral_9DD3152BF31DA87F5831E43FF2D01E13" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesAbstract_F32A386E7B73FF229780E43FF2D0A3B9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiabilityAmountOffsetAgainstCollateral_9DD3152BF31DA87F5831E43FF2D01E13" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_C8D8C54E4E474FFB930EE43FF2D091B5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesAbstract_F32A386E7B73FF229780E43FF2D0A3B9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_C8D8C54E4E474FFB930EE43FF2D091B5" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_865FBACC5FA1CB3F2373E479AF062ADC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_E089D6954581FED3A905E479AF041570" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_865FBACC5FA1CB3F2373E479AF062ADC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_E089D6954581FED3A905E479AF041570" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AverageSalesPriceAndProductionCostsPerUnitOfProductionProductionTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AverageSalesPriceAndProductionCostsPerUnitOfProductionProductionTypeAxis_2AAA6F51F23277EE6E48E479AF19730A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_E089D6954581FED3A905E479AF041570" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AverageSalesPriceAndProductionCostsPerUnitOfProductionProductionTypeAxis_2AAA6F51F23277EE6E48E479AF19730A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductionTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductionTypeDomain_3883DBAA1F057E720088E479AF1DAF71_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AverageSalesPriceAndProductionCostsPerUnitOfProductionProductionTypeAxis_2AAA6F51F23277EE6E48E479AF19730A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductionTypeDomain_3883DBAA1F057E720088E479AF1DAF71_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductionTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductionTypeDomain_3883DBAA1F057E720088E479AF1DAF71" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AverageSalesPriceAndProductionCostsPerUnitOfProductionProductionTypeAxis_2AAA6F51F23277EE6E48E479AF19730A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductionTypeDomain_3883DBAA1F057E720088E479AF1DAF71" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_ProvedPropertyMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_ProvedPropertyMember_394427CC1A4955DAEEC8E479AF2D40DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductionTypeDomain_3883DBAA1F057E720088E479AF1DAF71" xlink:to="loc_qep_ProvedPropertyMember_394427CC1A4955DAEEC8E479AF2D40DD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_4CDB926906B2421A8A74E479AF04610A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_E089D6954581FED3A905E479AF041570" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_4CDB926906B2421A8A74E479AF04610A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_A27D6075945E8B2ED78FE479AF051495_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_4CDB926906B2421A8A74E479AF04610A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_A27D6075945E8B2ED78FE479AF051495_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_A27D6075945E8B2ED78FE479AF051495" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_4CDB926906B2421A8A74E479AF04610A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_A27D6075945E8B2ED78FE479AF051495" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_393E427D57F88B2EA9D0E479AF05F4E6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_E089D6954581FED3A905E479AF041570" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_393E427D57F88B2EA9D0E479AF05F4E6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_B02D48B80B5488A28ECDE479AF06ED28_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_393E427D57F88B2EA9D0E479AF05F4E6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_B02D48B80B5488A28ECDE479AF06ED28_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_B02D48B80B5488A28ECDE479AF06ED28" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_393E427D57F88B2EA9D0E479AF05F4E6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_B02D48B80B5488A28ECDE479AF06ED28" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties_D26F524CEBB49C325299E479AF0F3E35" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_865FBACC5FA1CB3F2373E479AF062ADC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties_D26F524CEBB49C325299E479AF0F3E35" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_C216ED5E519DF3581876241D3DD1C69A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_41E54446B302A636CD21241D3DD12A37" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_C216ED5E519DF3581876241D3DD1C69A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_41E54446B302A636CD21241D3DD12A37" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_8BD9F88A7D4BFB6B5957241D3DD157B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_41E54446B302A636CD21241D3DD12A37" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_8BD9F88A7D4BFB6B5957241D3DD157B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_E7708ED0970BCE0A571B241D3DD1506C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_8BD9F88A7D4BFB6B5957241D3DD157B4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_E7708ED0970BCE0A571B241D3DD1506C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_E7708ED0970BCE0A571B241D3DD1506C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_8BD9F88A7D4BFB6B5957241D3DD157B4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_E7708ED0970BCE0A571B241D3DD1506C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_B7B258421D6C088D35D5241D3DD1AAD0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_41E54446B302A636CD21241D3DD12A37" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_B7B258421D6C088D35D5241D3DD1AAD0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_5A405510588096E1EFF4241D3DD13183_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_B7B258421D6C088D35D5241D3DD1AAD0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_5A405510588096E1EFF4241D3DD13183_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_5A405510588096E1EFF4241D3DD13183" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_B7B258421D6C088D35D5241D3DD1AAD0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_5A405510588096E1EFF4241D3DD13183" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/RestructuringCosts" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/RestructuringCostsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_F0B3BFE0E59BAC43B484E43FF29D2441" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_9C26EA97FE15627906FFE43FF29DE032" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_F0B3BFE0E59BAC43B484E43FF29D2441" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_9C26EA97FE15627906FFE43FF29DE032" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_FFE720AB1684E43782E4E43FF29DD1D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_9C26EA97FE15627906FFE43FF29DE032" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_FFE720AB1684E43782E4E43FF29DD1D9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1F5AFFF83BF234D18E2CE43FF29D041B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_FFE720AB1684E43782E4E43FF29DD1D9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1F5AFFF83BF234D18E2CE43FF29D041B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1F5AFFF83BF234D18E2CE43FF29D041B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_FFE720AB1684E43782E4E43FF29DD1D9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1F5AFFF83BF234D18E2CE43FF29D041B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_D820BD772D30A1866DADE43FF29DD1DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_9C26EA97FE15627906FFE43FF29DE032" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_D820BD772D30A1866DADE43FF29DD1DC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_52215385BF04197997F4E43FF29DF57A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_D820BD772D30A1866DADE43FF29DD1DC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_52215385BF04197997F4E43FF29DF57A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_52215385BF04197997F4E43FF29DF57A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_D820BD772D30A1866DADE43FF29DD1DC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_52215385BF04197997F4E43FF29DF57A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_Year2018Member" xlink:label="loc_qep_Year2018Member_5C2F70DFBD59482C65CAE43FF29D2315" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_52215385BF04197997F4E43FF29DF57A" xlink:to="loc_qep_Year2018Member_5C2F70DFBD59482C65CAE43FF29D2315" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_Year2019Member" xlink:label="loc_qep_Year2019Member_D78EDF9D09222D369BF9E43FF29D4E86" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_52215385BF04197997F4E43FF29DF57A" xlink:to="loc_qep_Year2019Member_D78EDF9D09222D369BF9E43FF29D4E86" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_SpecialTerminationBenefits" xlink:label="loc_qep_SpecialTerminationBenefits_823481CBBD907A89671EE43FF29DB707" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_F0B3BFE0E59BAC43B484E43FF29D2441" xlink:to="loc_qep_SpecialTerminationBenefits_823481CBBD907A89671EE43FF29DB707" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeveranceCosts1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeveranceCosts1_A1F3488E9D5BA89E11FCE43FF29D020C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_F0B3BFE0E59BAC43B484E43FF29D2441" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeveranceCosts1_A1F3488E9D5BA89E11FCE43FF29D020C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_AcceleratedShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="loc_qep_AcceleratedShareBasedCompensation_6F16AAD87B90E148C647E43FF29D1379" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_F0B3BFE0E59BAC43B484E43FF29D2441" xlink:to="loc_qep_AcceleratedShareBasedCompensation_6F16AAD87B90E148C647E43FF29D1379" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_EmployeeRetentionBonusCost" xlink:label="loc_qep_EmployeeRetentionBonusCost_7134C87D00860178BB40E43FF29E8530" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_F0B3BFE0E59BAC43B484E43FF29D2441" xlink:to="loc_qep_EmployeeRetentionBonusCost_7134C87D00860178BB40E43FF29E8530" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1_CE96E78CF7A62D43E3A5E43FF29E07FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_F0B3BFE0E59BAC43B484E43FF29D2441" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1_CE96E78CF7A62D43E3A5E43FF29E07FE" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/RestructuringCostsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/RevenueDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_RevenueRecognitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_qep_RevenueRecognitionLineItems_EA55F32CE8F7F68D6399E4B8584341E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_RevenueRecognitionTable" xlink:label="loc_qep_RevenueRecognitionTable_8D10F6D621AD9E7280C2E4B85843D30A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_qep_RevenueRecognitionLineItems_EA55F32CE8F7F68D6399E4B8584341E5" xlink:to="loc_qep_RevenueRecognitionTable_8D10F6D621AD9E7280C2E4B85843D30A" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_59F70E128BDC94547975E4B85843B655" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_qep_RevenueRecognitionTable_8D10F6D621AD9E7280C2E4B85843D30A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_59F70E128BDC94547975E4B85843B655" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_E8BA81BF1B37E6B5E00EE4B858436FA4_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_59F70E128BDC94547975E4B85843B655" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_E8BA81BF1B37E6B5E00EE4B858436FA4_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_E8BA81BF1B37E6B5E00EE4B858436FA4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_59F70E128BDC94547975E4B85843B655" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_E8BA81BF1B37E6B5E00EE4B858436FA4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_AsreportedMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_AsreportedMember_B15E721E4300D252788FE4B85843A228" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_E8BA81BF1B37E6B5E00EE4B858436FA4" xlink:to="loc_qep_AsreportedMember_B15E721E4300D252788FE4B85843A228" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_RevenuesasAdjustedMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_RevenuesasAdjustedMember_E252B0268E14D3C22B1BE4B85843916C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_E8BA81BF1B37E6B5E00EE4B858436FA4" xlink:to="loc_qep_RevenuesasAdjustedMember_E252B0268E14D3C22B1BE4B85843916C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementMember_05D3D65CDED774878772E4B858437A5F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_E8BA81BF1B37E6B5E00EE4B858436FA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementMember_05D3D65CDED774878772E4B858437A5F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_IncomeStatementasadjustedMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_IncomeStatementasadjustedMember_6943B12C3269984740A6E4B85843EACD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_E8BA81BF1B37E6B5E00EE4B858436FA4" xlink:to="loc_qep_IncomeStatementasadjustedMember_6943B12C3269984740A6E4B85843EACD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_711D3347E81FCA5C7CB7E4B858431CCE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_RevenueRecognitionLineItems_EA55F32CE8F7F68D6399E4B8584341E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_711D3347E81FCA5C7CB7E4B858431CCE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExplorationAndProductionRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ExplorationAndProductionRevenue_C79E28DD2B4CAA363CD0E4B8584308D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_711D3347E81FCA5C7CB7E4B858431CCE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ExplorationAndProductionRevenue_C79E28DD2B4CAA363CD0E4B8584308D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GasGatheringTransportationMarketingAndProcessingRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GasGatheringTransportationMarketingAndProcessingRevenue_0DF4174FD7985F596C20E4B85844CBFB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_711D3347E81FCA5C7CB7E4B858431CCE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GasGatheringTransportationMarketingAndProcessingRevenue_0DF4174FD7985F596C20E4B85844CBFB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromPurchasedOilAndGas" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromPurchasedOilAndGas_06DD27B0CF3F7B257A66E4B858449667" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_711D3347E81FCA5C7CB7E4B858431CCE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromPurchasedOilAndGas_06DD27B0CF3F7B257A66E4B858449667" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OilAndGasRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasRevenue_7338CFEF4166A93A3E46E4B8584486F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_711D3347E81FCA5C7CB7E4B858431CCE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasRevenue_7338CFEF4166A93A3E46E4B8584486F2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_C0315A817B94140FF6DCE4B858441ED2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_RevenueRecognitionLineItems_EA55F32CE8F7F68D6399E4B8584341E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_C0315A817B94140FF6DCE4B858441ED2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfPurchasedOilAndGas" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostOfPurchasedOilAndGas_81CE37E07B829121AE0FE4B85844BFB4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_C0315A817B94140FF6DCE4B858441ED2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostOfPurchasedOilAndGas_81CE37E07B829121AE0FE4B85844BFB4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseOperatingExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeaseOperatingExpense_3EFDBADC464266998574E4B85844B3CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_C0315A817B94140FF6DCE4B858441ED2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LeaseOperatingExpense_3EFDBADC464266998574E4B85844B3CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GasGatheringTransportationMarketingAndProcessingCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GasGatheringTransportationMarketingAndProcessingCosts_50CED9EC63D994D60244E4B85844C593" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_C0315A817B94140FF6DCE4B858441ED2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GasGatheringTransportationMarketingAndProcessingCosts_50CED9EC63D994D60244E4B85844C593" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating_D6B99A0480DE9487D2CAE4B85844168A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_C0315A817B94140FF6DCE4B858441ED2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating_D6B99A0480DE9487D2CAE4B85844168A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_3820EB09FD0D5E3CBDEBE4B85844F0F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_C0315A817B94140FF6DCE4B858441ED2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_3820EB09FD0D5E3CBDEBE4B85844F0F2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductionTaxExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductionTaxExpense_081D3F90424A1CCC5DDFE4B85844817B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_C0315A817B94140FF6DCE4B858441ED2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductionTaxExpense_081D3F90424A1CCC5DDFE4B85844817B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_BFC1A2B573910973ADFEE4B85844976C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_C0315A817B94140FF6DCE4B858441ED2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_BFC1A2B573910973ADFEE4B85844976C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExplorationExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ExplorationExpense_D1A9FC80B9F297537662E4B85844E365" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_C0315A817B94140FF6DCE4B858441ED2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ExplorationExpense_D1A9FC80B9F297537662E4B85844E365" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_B3E07462957B44574E67E4B858444020" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_C0315A817B94140FF6DCE4B858441ED2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_B3E07462957B44574E67E4B858444020" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingExpenses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpenses_11A427FF8684314AFA99E4B85844CF4E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_RevenueRecognitionLineItems_EA55F32CE8F7F68D6399E4B8584341E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpenses_11A427FF8684314AFA99E4B85844CF4E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfOilAndGasProperty" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfOilAndGasProperty_1FBEF1419BED38790F92E4B85845A63F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_RevenueRecognitionLineItems_EA55F32CE8F7F68D6399E4B8584341E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfOilAndGasProperty_1FBEF1419BED38790F92E4B85845A63F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_1F4D322C353427E90926E4B85845FBE5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_RevenueRecognitionLineItems_EA55F32CE8F7F68D6399E4B8584341E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_1F4D322C353427E90926E4B85845FBE5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax_C21A319D40790026366DE4B858452252" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_RevenueRecognitionLineItems_EA55F32CE8F7F68D6399E4B8584341E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax_C21A319D40790026366DE4B858452252" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestIncomeOperating" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeOperating_514695DC5021DC222143E4B858455E38" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_RevenueRecognitionLineItems_EA55F32CE8F7F68D6399E4B8584341E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeOperating_514695DC5021DC222143E4B858455E38" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_92D70292B1C74649FF47E4B858456029" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_RevenueRecognitionLineItems_EA55F32CE8F7F68D6399E4B8584341E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_92D70292B1C74649FF47E4B858456029" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResultsOfOperationsIncomeBeforeIncomeTaxes" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResultsOfOperationsIncomeBeforeIncomeTaxes_AC358F493D0EBD59326BE4B858459386" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_RevenueRecognitionLineItems_EA55F32CE8F7F68D6399E4B8584341E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResultsOfOperationsIncomeBeforeIncomeTaxes_AC358F493D0EBD59326BE4B858459386" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_B91D796CAA9987991AEAE4B85845D8E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_RevenueRecognitionLineItems_EA55F32CE8F7F68D6399E4B8584341E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_B91D796CAA9987991AEAE4B85845D8E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_E5B4C535EFBF3FA43F13E4B858454C02" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_RevenueRecognitionLineItems_EA55F32CE8F7F68D6399E4B8584341E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_E5B4C535EFBF3FA43F13E4B858454C02" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_270D0C7EECD404E3BFC2E4B85845CDC7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_RevenueRecognitionLineItems_EA55F32CE8F7F68D6399E4B8584341E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_270D0C7EECD404E3BFC2E4B85845CDC7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_7ABF966F86101C92B71DE4B85845750E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_RevenueRecognitionLineItems_EA55F32CE8F7F68D6399E4B8584341E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_7ABF966F86101C92B71DE4B85845750E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_C0F90B04B98DD95C75CAE4B85845B896" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_RevenueRecognitionLineItems_EA55F32CE8F7F68D6399E4B8584341E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_C0F90B04B98DD95C75CAE4B85845B896" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract_F2AA1D76D91E61B35101E4B85846D6AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_RevenueRecognitionLineItems_EA55F32CE8F7F68D6399E4B8584341E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract_F2AA1D76D91E61B35101E4B85846D6AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_BBEE228E600CCC0BF5EFE4B8584604D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_RevenueRecognitionLineItems_EA55F32CE8F7F68D6399E4B8584341E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_BBEE228E600CCC0BF5EFE4B8584604D7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_6A622C8112CE0A0C87DEE4B858463C8D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_RevenueRecognitionLineItems_EA55F32CE8F7F68D6399E4B8584341E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_6A622C8112CE0A0C87DEE4B858463C8D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareCashPaid" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareCashPaid_E5B2AE028DDE99F91ADCE4B85846FE54" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_RevenueRecognitionLineItems_EA55F32CE8F7F68D6399E4B8584341E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareCashPaid_E5B2AE028DDE99F91ADCE4B85846FE54" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/RevenueDisaggregatedRevenueDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_48EE6F802000C077FD31DF959C3C4E5D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_E28327933CAE7D127A01DF959C3C2886" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_48EE6F802000C077FD31DF959C3C4E5D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_E28327933CAE7D127A01DF959C3C2886" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_D418A0BC1ECA1F3AF9CADF959C3C7115" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_E28327933CAE7D127A01DF959C3C2886" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_D418A0BC1ECA1F3AF9CADF959C3C7115" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_A854DFC39D8BE520D2FADF959C3C9A47_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_D418A0BC1ECA1F3AF9CADF959C3C7115" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_A854DFC39D8BE520D2FADF959C3C9A47_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_A854DFC39D8BE520D2FADF959C3C9A47" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_D418A0BC1ECA1F3AF9CADF959C3C7115" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_A854DFC39D8BE520D2FADF959C3C9A47" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_AsreportedMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_AsreportedMember_B68E8695D28DBC37E589DF959C3C8589" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_A854DFC39D8BE520D2FADF959C3C9A47" xlink:to="loc_qep_AsreportedMember_B68E8695D28DBC37E589DF959C3C8589" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_RevenuesasreportedMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_RevenuesasreportedMember_AF4C2F695AA28FD69032DFA8DF17FBA9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_A854DFC39D8BE520D2FADF959C3C9A47" xlink:to="loc_qep_RevenuesasreportedMember_AF4C2F695AA28FD69032DFA8DF17FBA9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_D4C58A1B1C41F3B752FBDF959C3CD981" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_E28327933CAE7D127A01DF959C3C2886" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_D4C58A1B1C41F3B752FBDF959C3CD981" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_111A4987E38CF7085D66DF959C3C1357_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_D4C58A1B1C41F3B752FBDF959C3CD981" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_111A4987E38CF7085D66DF959C3C1357_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_111A4987E38CF7085D66DF959C3C1357" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_D4C58A1B1C41F3B752FBDF959C3CD981" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_111A4987E38CF7085D66DF959C3C1357" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_WillistonBasinMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_WillistonBasinMember_DB18992747FD27FFA2AFDF959C3CE712" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_111A4987E38CF7085D66DF959C3C1357" xlink:to="loc_qep_WillistonBasinMember_DB18992747FD27FFA2AFDF959C3CE712" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_PinedaleMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_PinedaleMember_928BFD79B401BC2193FEDFAE1BE19E26" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_111A4987E38CF7085D66DF959C3C1357" xlink:to="loc_qep_PinedaleMember_928BFD79B401BC2193FEDFAE1BE19E26" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_UintaBasinMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_UintaBasinMember_16298BF97EB03A3E08E8DF959C3CF1B7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_111A4987E38CF7085D66DF959C3C1357" xlink:to="loc_qep_UintaBasinMember_16298BF97EB03A3E08E8DF959C3CF1B7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_OtherNorthernMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_OtherNorthernMember_6216674824320BAEF19ADF959C3C3247" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_111A4987E38CF7085D66DF959C3C1357" xlink:to="loc_qep_OtherNorthernMember_6216674824320BAEF19ADF959C3C3247" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_PermianBasinMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_PermianBasinMember_96641A8FF2E9340F4096DF959C3CD248" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_111A4987E38CF7085D66DF959C3C1357" xlink:to="loc_qep_PermianBasinMember_96641A8FF2E9340F4096DF959C3CD248" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_HaynesvilleMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_HaynesvilleMember_787E6F3D818856DC83EADF959C3C5B09" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_111A4987E38CF7085D66DF959C3C1357" xlink:to="loc_qep_HaynesvilleMember_787E6F3D818856DC83EADF959C3C5B09" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_OtherSouthernMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_OtherSouthernMember_E9068B4EAC7DBED01BECDF959C3C1B53" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_111A4987E38CF7085D66DF959C3C1357" xlink:to="loc_qep_OtherSouthernMember_E9068B4EAC7DBED01BECDF959C3C1B53" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OilAndCondensateRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OilAndCondensateRevenue_FECAB5B356242FBC54EDDF959C3C6C4E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_48EE6F802000C077FD31DF959C3C4E5D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OilAndCondensateRevenue_FECAB5B356242FBC54EDDF959C3C6C4E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NaturalGasProductionRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NaturalGasProductionRevenue_E1562E02EE8E77FFCAC2DF959C3C2AE2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_48EE6F802000C077FD31DF959C3C4E5D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NaturalGasProductionRevenue_E1562E02EE8E77FFCAC2DF959C3C2AE2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NaturalGasMidstreamRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NaturalGasMidstreamRevenue_65302BA73985582FA60CDFA660D4E0ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_48EE6F802000C077FD31DF959C3C4E5D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NaturalGasMidstreamRevenue_65302BA73985582FA60CDFA660D4E0ED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GasGatheringTransportationMarketingAndProcessingCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GasGatheringTransportationMarketingAndProcessingCosts_39A27632C035543C6548DFA8926168DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_48EE6F802000C077FD31DF959C3C4E5D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GasGatheringTransportationMarketingAndProcessingCosts_39A27632C035543C6548DFA8926168DD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExplorationAndProductionRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ExplorationAndProductionRevenue_FB9FE2D94B9B2268D0F4DFA923162490" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_48EE6F802000C077FD31DF959C3C4E5D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ExplorationAndProductionRevenue_FB9FE2D94B9B2268D0F4DFA923162490" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/RevenueNotes" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/RevenueRevenue" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/RevenueTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_A7486909DE9FCBE69877E43FF28088F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_22BC44A46D344AB5D46AE43FF27FD769" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_A7486909DE9FCBE69877E43FF28088F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_22BC44A46D344AB5D46AE43FF27FD769" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis_7C05114F711DF37097ABE43FF27FEC0A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_22BC44A46D344AB5D46AE43FF27FD769" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis_7C05114F711DF37097ABE43FF27FEC0A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_218BA837023ECA46EAE3E43FF27FAD55_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis_7C05114F711DF37097ABE43FF27FEC0A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_218BA837023ECA46EAE3E43FF27FAD55_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_218BA837023ECA46EAE3E43FF27FAD55" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis_7C05114F711DF37097ABE43FF27FEC0A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_218BA837023ECA46EAE3E43FF27FAD55" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_30DCCA74706C4B11D76CE43FF27FF93D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_22BC44A46D344AB5D46AE43FF27FD769" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_30DCCA74706C4B11D76CE43FF27FF93D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_CC268301B61D3FEC4B7FE43FF27FDCFB_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_30DCCA74706C4B11D76CE43FF27FF93D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_CC268301B61D3FEC4B7FE43FF27FDCFB_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_CC268301B61D3FEC4B7FE43FF27FDCFB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_30DCCA74706C4B11D76CE43FF27FF93D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_CC268301B61D3FEC4B7FE43FF27FDCFB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_74153AF3C36F18405C53E43FF27FC8A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_CC268301B61D3FEC4B7FE43FF27FDCFB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_74153AF3C36F18405C53E43FF27FC8A7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_F0961241BBFCBBA4CE77E43FF27F76FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_CC268301B61D3FEC4B7FE43FF27FDCFB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_F0961241BBFCBBA4CE77E43FF27F76FA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_PerformanceShareUnitsMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_PerformanceShareUnitsMember_8753658F8C25173ED785E43FF2801543" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_CC268301B61D3FEC4B7FE43FF27FDCFB" xlink:to="loc_qep_PerformanceShareUnitsMember_8753658F8C25173ED785E43FF2801543" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_4C2774B526D43E427B85E43FF280966E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_CC268301B61D3FEC4B7FE43FF27FDCFB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_4C2774B526D43E427B85E43FF280966E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_AcceleratedShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="loc_qep_AcceleratedShareBasedCompensation_80AD81C10A8594291C0DE43FF2807918" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_A7486909DE9FCBE69877E43FF28088F4" xlink:to="loc_qep_AcceleratedShareBasedCompensation_80AD81C10A8594291C0DE43FF2807918" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant_0844AFA3FD321E6CC08BE43FF2800B2E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_A7486909DE9FCBE69877E43FF28088F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant_0844AFA3FD321E6CC08BE43FF2800B2E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_D7A5506C9E009D50FE25E43FF280E5F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_A7486909DE9FCBE69877E43FF28088F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_D7A5506C9E009D50FE25E43FF280E5F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized_12EFCE8DAC483E10115EE43FF2804AE1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_A7486909DE9FCBE69877E43FF28088F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized_12EFCE8DAC483E10115EE43FF2804AE1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_9B2294900FB9015FC9BFE43FF2802A1E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_A7486909DE9FCBE69877E43FF28088F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_9B2294900FB9015FC9BFE43FF2802A1E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1_D249B15A7A4FED4D2F17E43FF2800DBE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_A7486909DE9FCBE69877E43FF28088F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1_D249B15A7A4FED4D2F17E43FF2800DBE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue_DEDD10CE7F4318A3911AE43FF280A6A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_A7486909DE9FCBE69877E43FF28088F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue_DEDD10CE7F4318A3911AE43FF280A6A8" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationScheduleOfPerformanceShareUnitTransactionsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_56FA4799F345E5A55626241D3E1F63AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_8208BE7F9B8EE8A929CC241D3E1F7B58" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_56FA4799F345E5A55626241D3E1F63AA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_8208BE7F9B8EE8A929CC241D3E1F7B58" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_F89D34E25584262C79EB241D3E1F765B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_8208BE7F9B8EE8A929CC241D3E1F7B58" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_F89D34E25584262C79EB241D3E1F765B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_5A9BCA9791A11E69474B241D3E1F70E3_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_F89D34E25584262C79EB241D3E1F765B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_5A9BCA9791A11E69474B241D3E1F70E3_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_5A9BCA9791A11E69474B241D3E1F70E3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_F89D34E25584262C79EB241D3E1F765B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_5A9BCA9791A11E69474B241D3E1F70E3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_PerformanceShareUnitsMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_PerformanceShareUnitsMember_63B08C7D5278AE60E708241D3E1F80D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_5A9BCA9791A11E69474B241D3E1F70E3" xlink:to="loc_qep_PerformanceShareUnitsMember_63B08C7D5278AE60E708241D3E1F80D7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_C10060F3A00B6F6CB46C241D3E1F2C29" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_56FA4799F345E5A55626241D3E1F63AA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_C10060F3A00B6F6CB46C241D3E1F2C29" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_D72281379996CE05B7DB241D3E1FE3D0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_C10060F3A00B6F6CB46C241D3E1F2C29" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_D72281379996CE05B7DB241D3E1FE3D0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_2B10296BA45ECFF43A01241D3E1F34CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_C10060F3A00B6F6CB46C241D3E1F2C29" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_2B10296BA45ECFF43A01241D3E1F34CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_47A0CD2E8E72286E9F19241D3E1F01B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_C10060F3A00B6F6CB46C241D3E1F2C29" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_47A0CD2E8E72286E9F19241D3E1F01B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_3B9114B607BECDF83323241D3E1F58E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_C10060F3A00B6F6CB46C241D3E1F2C29" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_3B9114B607BECDF83323241D3E1F58E7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_8969D231B2FE269DD99A241D3E1FE881" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_56FA4799F345E5A55626241D3E1F63AA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_8969D231B2FE269DD99A241D3E1FE881" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_E0443C64B54233EB2941241D3E1FC29E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_8969D231B2FE269DD99A241D3E1FE881" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_E0443C64B54233EB2941241D3E1FC29E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_6A654A4BEF2C04E46FEC241D3E1F8FB4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_8969D231B2FE269DD99A241D3E1FE881" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_6A654A4BEF2C04E46FEC241D3E1F8FB4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_7B30206651E1ADB205CF241D3E1F6099" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_8969D231B2FE269DD99A241D3E1FE881" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_7B30206651E1ADB205CF241D3E1F6099" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_1258CC6275DFB98A13F4241D3E1F7250" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_8969D231B2FE269DD99A241D3E1FE881" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_1258CC6275DFB98A13F4241D3E1F7250" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationScheduleOfRestrictedShareAwardsTransactionsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_1C2E7EEA2A0AF8D62B62241D3E5E9207" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_09A0BB5F05EA4F80DFD1241D3E5ED261" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_1C2E7EEA2A0AF8D62B62241D3E5E9207" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_09A0BB5F05EA4F80DFD1241D3E5ED261" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_A05DE86F73FDDACCA807241D3E5E9A62" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_09A0BB5F05EA4F80DFD1241D3E5ED261" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_A05DE86F73FDDACCA807241D3E5E9A62" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_98827C7FB82ED59B6FDC241D3E5E143C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_A05DE86F73FDDACCA807241D3E5E9A62" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_98827C7FB82ED59B6FDC241D3E5E143C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_98827C7FB82ED59B6FDC241D3E5E143C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_A05DE86F73FDDACCA807241D3E5E9A62" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_98827C7FB82ED59B6FDC241D3E5E143C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_7D188B52170CC4FB6059241D3E5E4640" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_98827C7FB82ED59B6FDC241D3E5E143C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_7D188B52170CC4FB6059241D3E5E4640" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_BE870624E7A74CB58490241D3E5E0A00" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_1C2E7EEA2A0AF8D62B62241D3E5E9207" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_BE870624E7A74CB58490241D3E5E0A00" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_85341786120E414C7107241D3E5EE45F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_BE870624E7A74CB58490241D3E5E0A00" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_85341786120E414C7107241D3E5EE45F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_852F42AD7D4DE77D156D241D3E5E1590" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_BE870624E7A74CB58490241D3E5E0A00" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_852F42AD7D4DE77D156D241D3E5E1590" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_53EF447D74C658C0C1EB241D3E5E1881" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_BE870624E7A74CB58490241D3E5E0A00" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_53EF447D74C658C0C1EB241D3E5E1881" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_9C53D40C4857595FFFBC241D3E5EEFF9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_BE870624E7A74CB58490241D3E5E0A00" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_9C53D40C4857595FFFBC241D3E5EEFF9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_8CF84270DD76E40DA9A5241D3E5E5B39" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_1C2E7EEA2A0AF8D62B62241D3E5E9207" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_8CF84270DD76E40DA9A5241D3E5E5B39" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_43F2DD2C10739E56C32C241D3E5E0EAF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_8CF84270DD76E40DA9A5241D3E5E5B39" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_43F2DD2C10739E56C32C241D3E5E0EAF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_8F7E8A820D61C8317BBC241D3E5E3B2D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_8CF84270DD76E40DA9A5241D3E5E5B39" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_8F7E8A820D61C8317BBC241D3E5E3B2D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_129E2DC4DB0E099C657C241D3E5EC660" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_8CF84270DD76E40DA9A5241D3E5E5B39" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_129E2DC4DB0E099C657C241D3E5EC660" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_5DB7678CC99F54FBD62D241D3E5EA5DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_8CF84270DD76E40DA9A5241D3E5E5B39" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_5DB7678CC99F54FBD62D241D3E5EA5DF" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationScheduleOfRestrictedShareUnitTransactionsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_DCFD0D59809D8C41949E241D3E1062DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_FC1D3FBC6F824E79F089241D3E1032C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_DCFD0D59809D8C41949E241D3E1062DC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_FC1D3FBC6F824E79F089241D3E1032C9" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_E0DD4E8E95EBB344566E241D3E100666" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_FC1D3FBC6F824E79F089241D3E1032C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_E0DD4E8E95EBB344566E241D3E100666" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_2F607E1DD7D6EAFF8C51241D3E105763_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_E0DD4E8E95EBB344566E241D3E100666" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_2F607E1DD7D6EAFF8C51241D3E105763_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_2F607E1DD7D6EAFF8C51241D3E105763" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_E0DD4E8E95EBB344566E241D3E100666" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_2F607E1DD7D6EAFF8C51241D3E105763" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_83F85594A0B8EE0D4A9C241D3E10D411" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_2F607E1DD7D6EAFF8C51241D3E105763" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_83F85594A0B8EE0D4A9C241D3E10D411" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_973D186486AABEC480F4241D3E10F64A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_DCFD0D59809D8C41949E241D3E1062DC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_973D186486AABEC480F4241D3E10F64A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_781FB64743D8ADED01AE241D3E10D05B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_DCFD0D59809D8C41949E241D3E1062DC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_781FB64743D8ADED01AE241D3E10D05B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_173D335580D247844B9B241D3E10820C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_DCFD0D59809D8C41949E241D3E1062DC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_173D335580D247844B9B241D3E10820C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_A32DA48465E8A5E8E019241D3E10B872" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_DCFD0D59809D8C41949E241D3E1062DC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_A32DA48465E8A5E8E019241D3E10B872" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_F8A3C66003AE3CCC77D3241D3E101C12" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_DCFD0D59809D8C41949E241D3E1062DC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_F8A3C66003AE3CCC77D3241D3E101C12" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_0F38538324E4FC5F6697241D3E1055D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_DCFD0D59809D8C41949E241D3E1062DC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_0F38538324E4FC5F6697241D3E1055D9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_1C62FE39734DD2EFE930241D3E10FF9C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_DCFD0D59809D8C41949E241D3E1062DC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_1C62FE39734DD2EFE930241D3E10FF9C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_9D4C8A1778E6430F14DB241D3E10588A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_DCFD0D59809D8C41949E241D3E1062DC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_9D4C8A1778E6430F14DB241D3E10588A" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationScheduleOfStockOptionTransactionsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_B2B0C8A719922773E24A241D3E1F1391" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_FB96373D46BE05152C76241D3E1F398A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_B2B0C8A719922773E24A241D3E1F1391" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_FB96373D46BE05152C76241D3E1F398A" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_1DC18597D4E2A718A619241D3E1F0972" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_FB96373D46BE05152C76241D3E1F398A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_1DC18597D4E2A718A619241D3E1F0972" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_4E7E4CC19AC5D1C436AA241D3E1FE8F3_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_1DC18597D4E2A718A619241D3E1F0972" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_4E7E4CC19AC5D1C436AA241D3E1FE8F3_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_4E7E4CC19AC5D1C436AA241D3E1FE8F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_1DC18597D4E2A718A619241D3E1F0972" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_4E7E4CC19AC5D1C436AA241D3E1FE8F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_A0BC75965E75BDA4B26D241D3E1F324B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_4E7E4CC19AC5D1C436AA241D3E1FE8F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_A0BC75965E75BDA4B26D241D3E1F324B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_8977204BF84D20A09973241D3E1FB6B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_FB96373D46BE05152C76241D3E1F398A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_8977204BF84D20A09973241D3E1FB6B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_E24A2DD82D804A5CFD62241D3E1F9D6F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_8977204BF84D20A09973241D3E1FB6B4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_E24A2DD82D804A5CFD62241D3E1F9D6F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_E24A2DD82D804A5CFD62241D3E1F9D6F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_8977204BF84D20A09973241D3E1FB6B4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_E24A2DD82D804A5CFD62241D3E1F9D6F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_8E418F6AA4DBA0D31662241D3E1F8F4C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_B2B0C8A719922773E24A241D3E1F1391" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_8E418F6AA4DBA0D31662241D3E1F8F4C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_CF47CB3C77AC4192C70B241D3E1F93C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_8E418F6AA4DBA0D31662241D3E1F8F4C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_CF47CB3C77AC4192C70B241D3E1F93C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross_F42A9D1264EBF63671AF241D3E1F0E18" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_8E418F6AA4DBA0D31662241D3E1F8F4C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross_F42A9D1264EBF63671AF241D3E1F0E18" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedOptionsForfeitedNumberOfShares" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedOptionsForfeitedNumberOfShares_06B3FDE0676388D6B739241D3E1F916B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_8E418F6AA4DBA0D31662241D3E1F8F4C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedOptionsForfeitedNumberOfShares_06B3FDE0676388D6B739241D3E1F916B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOtherIncreasesDecreasesInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOtherIncreasesDecreasesInPeriod_4182CB38D6E76D1E644B241D3E1FCB67" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_8E418F6AA4DBA0D31662241D3E1F8F4C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOtherIncreasesDecreasesInPeriod_4182CB38D6E76D1E644B241D3E1FCB67" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber_25A37D6527A9E254766C241D3E1F2196" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_8E418F6AA4DBA0D31662241D3E1F8F4C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber_25A37D6527A9E254766C241D3E1F2196" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedNumberOfShares" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedNumberOfShares_387FD060B0F7987B8724241D3E1FCEDB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_8E418F6AA4DBA0D31662241D3E1F8F4C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedNumberOfShares_387FD060B0F7987B8724241D3E1FCEDB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_140C59D82F7C9AC4C963241D3E1F0F27" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_B2B0C8A719922773E24A241D3E1F1391" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_140C59D82F7C9AC4C963241D3E1F0F27" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_32986FE832DB5CF7B179241D3E1FF40B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_140C59D82F7C9AC4C963241D3E1F0F27" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_32986FE832DB5CF7B179241D3E1FF40B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_2E55BC2ADDBCBE721CAC241D3E1FFD66" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_140C59D82F7C9AC4C963241D3E1F0F27" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_2E55BC2ADDBCBE721CAC241D3E1FFD66" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_C25934204C99738B4CE6241D3E1F5428" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_140C59D82F7C9AC4C963241D3E1F0F27" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_C25934204C99738B4CE6241D3E1F5428" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOtherShareIncreaseDecreaseInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOtherShareIncreaseDecreaseInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_F32D9455E49C31F28693241D3E1FD9D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_140C59D82F7C9AC4C963241D3E1F0F27" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOtherShareIncreaseDecreaseInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_F32D9455E49C31F28693241D3E1FD9D5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice_5F811909DC9208FC1346241D3E1FFA01" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_140C59D82F7C9AC4C963241D3E1F0F27" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice_5F811909DC9208FC1346241D3E1FFA01" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_01FE340F497FCFC3ABF7241D3E1FAD20" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_140C59D82F7C9AC4C963241D3E1F0F27" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_01FE340F497FCFC3ABF7241D3E1FAD20" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2_FF3F031EE72168BEEFAB241D3E1F835B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_140C59D82F7C9AC4C963241D3E1F0F27" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2_FF3F031EE72168BEEFAB241D3E1F835B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1_482C8F56A8111E3F6552241D3E1F043B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_140C59D82F7C9AC4C963241D3E1F0F27" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1_482C8F56A8111E3F6552241D3E1F043B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsUnvestedWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm" xlink:label="loc_qep_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsUnvestedWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm_2FC58831C34FD8B7D644241D3E1F4D59" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_140C59D82F7C9AC4C963241D3E1F0F27" xlink:to="loc_qep_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsUnvestedWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm_2FC58831C34FD8B7D644241D3E1F4D59" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue_0DAAF21BEB24872F12C2241D3E1F0639" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_140C59D82F7C9AC4C963241D3E1F0F27" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue_0DAAF21BEB24872F12C2241D3E1F0639" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1_3D89AF7FC9F1B30A5B41241D3E1F9D01" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_140C59D82F7C9AC4C963241D3E1F0F27" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1_3D89AF7FC9F1B30A5B41241D3E1F9D01" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsUnvestedIntrinsicValue1" xlink:label="loc_qep_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsUnvestedIntrinsicValue1_F8C5A77CD16BA1C002FD241D3E1F4F59" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_140C59D82F7C9AC4C963241D3E1F0F27" xlink:to="loc_qep_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsUnvestedIntrinsicValue1_F8C5A77CD16BA1C002FD241D3E1F4F59" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationShareBasedCompensationExpenseDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_SharebasedCompensationExpenseLineItems" xlink:label="loc_qep_SharebasedCompensationExpenseLineItems_1EEA928E45CCD6FD4A1A241D3DF02003" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_SharebasedCompensationExpenseTable" xlink:label="loc_qep_SharebasedCompensationExpenseTable_5297F42D36A1E2250829241D3DF076AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_qep_SharebasedCompensationExpenseLineItems_1EEA928E45CCD6FD4A1A241D3DF02003" xlink:to="loc_qep_SharebasedCompensationExpenseTable_5297F42D36A1E2250829241D3DF076AE" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_104CF9BC39CC67DD419A241D3DF0B68C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_qep_SharebasedCompensationExpenseTable_5297F42D36A1E2250829241D3DF076AE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_104CF9BC39CC67DD419A241D3DF0B68C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_B5EEC78FBE86A4163960241D3DF0DC16_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_104CF9BC39CC67DD419A241D3DF0B68C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_B5EEC78FBE86A4163960241D3DF0DC16_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_B5EEC78FBE86A4163960241D3DF0DC16" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_104CF9BC39CC67DD419A241D3DF0B68C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_B5EEC78FBE86A4163960241D3DF0DC16" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_7D7B615B9027058A341E241D3DF0BE4C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_B5EEC78FBE86A4163960241D3DF0DC16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_7D7B615B9027058A341E241D3DF0BE4C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_92DD0AB5AE6026248F0B241D3DF03B20" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_B5EEC78FBE86A4163960241D3DF0DC16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_92DD0AB5AE6026248F0B241D3DF03B20" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20180331.xsd#qep_PerformanceShareUnitsMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_PerformanceShareUnitsMember_5C5C6481B3837510609C241D3DF08BD2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_B5EEC78FBE86A4163960241D3DF0DC16" xlink:to="loc_qep_PerformanceShareUnitsMember_5C5C6481B3837510609C241D3DF08BD2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_09C78C0823D35D48DE08241D3DF0C81B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_B5EEC78FBE86A4163960241D3DF0DC16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_09C78C0823D35D48DE08241D3DF0C81B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardCompensationCost1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardCompensationCost1_A2C147A1A1390EAA8C91241D3DF0CDC3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_SharebasedCompensationExpenseLineItems_1EEA928E45CCD6FD4A1A241D3DF02003" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardCompensationCost1_A2C147A1A1390EAA8C91241D3DF0CDC3" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationTables" xlink:type="extended" />
</link:linkbase>