

<!--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-20170630.xsd#AcquisitionsDivestitures" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/AcquisitionsDivestituresNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#AcquisitionsDivestituresNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/AcquisitionsDivestituresProFormaDetails" xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#AcquisitionsDivestituresProFormaDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/AcquisitionsDivestituresProFormaTables" xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#AcquisitionsDivestituresProFormaTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/AcquisitionsDivestituresPurchaseAccountingEntriesDetails" xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#AcquisitionsDivestituresPurchaseAccountingEntriesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/AcquisitionsDivestituresPurchaseAccountingEntriesTables" xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#AcquisitionsDivestituresPurchaseAccountingEntriesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/AssetRetirementObligations" xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#AssetRetirementObligations" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/AssetRetirementObligationsDetails" xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#AssetRetirementObligationsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/AssetRetirementObligationsTables" xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#AssetRetirementObligationsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/BasisOfPresentation" xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#BasisOfPresentation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/BasisOfPresentationImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsDetails" xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#BasisOfPresentationImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/CapitalizedExploratoryWellCosts" xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#CapitalizedExploratoryWellCosts" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/CapitalizedExploratoryWellCostsDetails" xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#CapitalizedExploratoryWellCostsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/CapitalizedExploratoryWellCostsTables" xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#CapitalizedExploratoryWellCostsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/CommitmentAndContingencies" xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#CommitmentAndContingencies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingenciesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnaudited" xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnauditedParenthetical" xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnauditedParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlowsUnaudited" xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlowsUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeUnaudited" xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeUnauditedParenthetical" xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeUnauditedParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperationsUnaudited" xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperationsUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/Debt" xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#Debt" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/DebtNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#DebtNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/DebtScheduleOfDebtInstrumentsDetails" xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#DebtScheduleOfDebtInstrumentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/DebtTables" xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#DebtTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/DerivativeContracts" xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#DerivativeContracts" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/DerivativeContractsGainLossInStatementOfFinancialPerformanceDetails" xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#DerivativeContractsGainLossInStatementOfFinancialPerformanceDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/DerivativeContractsNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#DerivativeContractsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/DerivativeContractsScheduleOfCommodityDerivativeContractsDetails" xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#DerivativeContractsScheduleOfCommodityDerivativeContractsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/DerivativeContractsScheduleOfDerivativesFinancialStatementPresentationDetails" xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#DerivativeContractsScheduleOfDerivativesFinancialStatementPresentationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/DerivativeContractsTables" xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#DerivativeContractsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/EarningsPerShare" xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#EarningsPerShare" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/EarningsPerShareComponentsOfBasicAndDilutedSharesUsedInEpsCalculationDetails" xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#EarningsPerShareComponentsOfBasicAndDilutedSharesUsedInEpsCalculationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/EarningsPerShareEarningsPerShareNonPrintingDetails" xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#EarningsPerShareEarningsPerShareNonPrintingDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/EarningsPerShareTables" xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#EarningsPerShareTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/EmployeeBenefits" xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#EmployeeBenefits" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/EmployeeBenefitsNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#EmployeeBenefitsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/EmployeeBenefitsScheduleOfNetPeriodicBenefitCostDetails" xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#EmployeeBenefitsScheduleOfNetPeriodicBenefitCostDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/EmployeeBenefitsTables" xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#EmployeeBenefitsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/FairValueMeasurements" xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#FairValueMeasurements" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsFairValueAndRelatedCarryingAmountOfCertainFinancialInstrumentsDetails" xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsFairValueAndRelatedCarryingAmountOfCertainFinancialInstrumentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsFairValueOfFinancialAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsFairValueOfFinancialAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsTables" xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/RestructuringCosts" xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#RestructuringCosts" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/RestructuringCostsNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#RestructuringCostsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/RestructuringCostsTables" xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#RestructuringCostsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationFairValueOfOptionsGrantedAndMajorAssumptionsUsedDetails" xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#ShareBasedCompensationFairValueOfOptionsGrantedAndMajorAssumptionsUsedDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#ShareBasedCompensationNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationScheduleOfPerformanceShareUnitTransactionsDetails" xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#ShareBasedCompensationScheduleOfPerformanceShareUnitTransactionsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationScheduleOfRestrictedShareAwardsTransactionsDetails" xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#ShareBasedCompensationScheduleOfRestrictedShareAwardsTransactionsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationScheduleOfRestrictedShareUnitTransactionsDetails" xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#ShareBasedCompensationScheduleOfRestrictedShareUnitTransactionsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationScheduleOfStockOptionTransactionsDetails" xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#ShareBasedCompensationScheduleOfStockOptionTransactionsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationShareBasedCompensationExpenseDetails" xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#ShareBasedCompensationShareBasedCompensationExpenseDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationTables" xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#ShareBasedCompensationTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/SubsequentEventDetails" xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#SubsequentEventDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/SubsequentEventNotes" xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#SubsequentEventNotes" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/SubsequentEventTables" xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#SubsequentEventTables" 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/AcquisitionsDivestituresNarrativeDetails" 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_EF16E1390DB1E08FC66366233F6D87CA" 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_23C432B14E50A226E47366233F6DE62D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_EF16E1390DB1E08FC66366233F6D87CA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_23C432B14E50A226E47366233F6DE62D" 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_ReserveQuantitiesByTypeOfReserveAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReserveQuantitiesByTypeOfReserveAxis_CA94198F76A08E1B5F6C66233F6DE77F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_23C432B14E50A226E47366233F6DE62D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReserveQuantitiesByTypeOfReserveAxis_CA94198F76A08E1B5F6C66233F6DE77F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfReserveDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfReserveDomain_D4100117F53F2554C8D866233F6D5A9F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReserveQuantitiesByTypeOfReserveAxis_CA94198F76A08E1B5F6C66233F6DE77F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfReserveDomain_D4100117F53F2554C8D866233F6D5A9F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfReserveDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfReserveDomain_D4100117F53F2554C8D866233F6D5A9F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReserveQuantitiesByTypeOfReserveAxis_CA94198F76A08E1B5F6C66233F6DE77F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfReserveDomain_D4100117F53F2554C8D866233F6D5A9F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_ProvedPropertyMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_ProvedPropertyMember_F5A0B266E6C08372DCE966233F6D45FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfReserveDomain_D4100117F53F2554C8D866233F6D5A9F" xlink:to="loc_qep_ProvedPropertyMember_F5A0B266E6C08372DCE966233F6D45FE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_UnprovedPropertyMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_UnprovedPropertyMember_2635A9269DFFD292C72766233F6D1B97" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfReserveDomain_D4100117F53F2554C8D866233F6D5A9F" xlink:to="loc_qep_UnprovedPropertyMember_2635A9269DFFD292C72766233F6D1B97" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationCostsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationCostsMember_A32A643D744B42415AD066233F6DEF80" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfReserveDomain_D4100117F53F2554C8D866233F6D5A9F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationCostsMember_A32A643D744B42415AD066233F6DEF80" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_BargainPurchaseGainMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_BargainPurchaseGainMember_C18CCEE30355B0C9855B66233F6DD8D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfReserveDomain_D4100117F53F2554C8D866233F6D5A9F" xlink:to="loc_qep_BargainPurchaseGainMember_C18CCEE30355B0C9855B66233F6DD8D5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <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_6BC95C65E263F6AAF3FB66233F6D92F1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_23C432B14E50A226E47366233F6DE62D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_6BC95C65E263F6AAF3FB66233F6D92F1" 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_B56BFA5FEE02501FA74366233F6D4D78_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_6BC95C65E263F6AAF3FB66233F6D92F1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_B56BFA5FEE02501FA74366233F6D4D78_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_B56BFA5FEE02501FA74366233F6D4D78" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_6BC95C65E263F6AAF3FB66233F6D92F1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_B56BFA5FEE02501FA74366233F6D4D78" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_A2016PermianBasinAcquisitionMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_A2016PermianBasinAcquisitionMember_2F8C7847975FD685011D66233F6D14AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_B56BFA5FEE02501FA74366233F6D4D78" xlink:to="loc_qep_A2016PermianBasinAcquisitionMember_2F8C7847975FD685011D66233F6D14AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_83A378959217B724F13066233F6D57BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_23C432B14E50A226E47366233F6DE62D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_83A378959217B724F13066233F6D57BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_A5956BC640064C8D496766233F6DADAD_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_83A378959217B724F13066233F6D57BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_A5956BC640064C8D496766233F6DADAD_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_A5956BC640064C8D496766233F6DADAD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_83A378959217B724F13066233F6D57BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_A5956BC640064C8D496766233F6DADAD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_WillistonPermianBasinsMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_WillistonPermianBasinsMember_7D69730DCED39A6CDD9666233F6DC0EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_A5956BC640064C8D496766233F6DADAD" xlink:to="loc_qep_WillistonPermianBasinsMember_7D69730DCED39A6CDD9666233F6DC0EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationRevenueOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationRevenueOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual_4BA7A03570A7CFD3B76766233F6E941A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_EF16E1390DB1E08FC66366233F6D87CA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationRevenueOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual_4BA7A03570A7CFD3B76766233F6E941A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationEarningsOrLossOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationEarningsOrLossOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual_4654A4165A2CCFBC9C3A66233F6E272F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_EF16E1390DB1E08FC66366233F6D87CA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationEarningsOrLossOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual_4654A4165A2CCFBC9C3A66233F6E272F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_6DBDAB2C7B15F6AD31C466233F6E75CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_EF16E1390DB1E08FC66366233F6D87CA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_6DBDAB2C7B15F6AD31C466233F6E75CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GasAndOilAreaDevelopedNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GasAndOilAreaDevelopedNet_590D5967CF22D3BF388F66233F6EDFC2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_EF16E1390DB1E08FC66366233F6D87CA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GasAndOilAreaDevelopedNet_590D5967CF22D3BF388F66233F6EDFC2" 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_87B0FF7CF345F236BCF066233F6E5F71" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_EF16E1390DB1E08FC66366233F6D87CA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AcquisitionCosts_87B0FF7CF345F236BCF066233F6E5F71" 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_4A2F6A280EFE260A778666233F6E8459" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_EF16E1390DB1E08FC66366233F6D87CA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationBargainPurchaseGainRecognizedAmount_4A2F6A280EFE260A778666233F6E8459" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillAcquiredDuringPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAcquiredDuringPeriod_E92AC58CAE36963453E466233F6EBA4C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_EF16E1390DB1E08FC66366233F6D87CA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAcquiredDuringPeriod_E92AC58CAE36963453E466233F6EBA4C" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/AcquisitionsDivestituresProFormaDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentLineItems_8E5D0BEEA9760AF724536616FDA19803" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentsTable_1500BA040582A53E2AAD6616FDA1E5A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentLineItems_8E5D0BEEA9760AF724536616FDA19803" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentsTable_1500BA040582A53E2AAD6616FDA1E5A7" 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_A899F712B5DD7E5122F06616FDA17FF4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentsTable_1500BA040582A53E2AAD6616FDA1E5A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_A899F712B5DD7E5122F06616FDA17FF4" 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_CFF2EB4AEC7AC44231B86616FDA12795_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_A899F712B5DD7E5122F06616FDA17FF4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_CFF2EB4AEC7AC44231B86616FDA12795_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_CFF2EB4AEC7AC44231B86616FDA12795" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_A899F712B5DD7E5122F06616FDA17FF4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_CFF2EB4AEC7AC44231B86616FDA12795" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_A2016PermianBasinAcquisitionMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_A2016PermianBasinAcquisitionMember_FD2036EA1C01B705894A6616FDA1A359" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_CFF2EB4AEC7AC44231B86616FDA12795" xlink:to="loc_qep_A2016PermianBasinAcquisitionMember_FD2036EA1C01B705894A6616FDA1A359" 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_02942CD25B113AA15A396616FDA152D0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentLineItems_8E5D0BEEA9760AF724536616FDA19803" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_02942CD25B113AA15A396616FDA152D0" 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_E992553A3BC765DDBF4A6616FDA16284" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentLineItems_8E5D0BEEA9760AF724536616FDA19803" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_E992553A3BC765DDBF4A6616FDA16284" 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_1032B721990EC4EA7C5C6616FDA1E3A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentLineItems_8E5D0BEEA9760AF724536616FDA19803" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_1032B721990EC4EA7C5C6616FDA1E3A8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaRevenue_6F1FDABC9E23BE134CF26616FDA19CF2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentLineItems_8E5D0BEEA9760AF724536616FDA19803" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaRevenue_6F1FDABC9E23BE134CF26616FDA19CF2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaNetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaNetIncomeLoss_FE4FDAB3C76F5294DCC46616FDA1AACA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentLineItems_8E5D0BEEA9760AF724536616FDA19803" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaNetIncomeLoss_FE4FDAB3C76F5294DCC46616FDA1AACA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareBasic_912D51A4424F5E8CBA416616FDA1360C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentLineItems_8E5D0BEEA9760AF724536616FDA19803" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareBasic_912D51A4424F5E8CBA416616FDA1360C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareDiluted_A0D8CF148BD5C149E30F6616FDA226F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentLineItems_8E5D0BEEA9760AF724536616FDA19803" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareDiluted_A0D8CF148BD5C149E30F6616FDA226F3" 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_7B0E2A180ACFE6DC5A3F6616FDA23F05" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentLineItems_8E5D0BEEA9760AF724536616FDA19803" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasRevenue_7B0E2A180ACFE6DC5A3F6616FDA23F05" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/AcquisitionsDivestituresProFormaTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/AcquisitionsDivestituresPurchaseAccountingEntriesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsLineItems_B82037C4AC7E664C8EE616F16A8BE0E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsTable_B7AFE999CBE2C9CA05D316F16A8AF157" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsLineItems_B82037C4AC7E664C8EE616F16A8BE0E7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsTable_B7AFE999CBE2C9CA05D316F16A8AF157" 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_ReserveQuantitiesByTypeOfReserveAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReserveQuantitiesByTypeOfReserveAxis_553504C06C623E430FE716F16A8AC309" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsTable_B7AFE999CBE2C9CA05D316F16A8AF157" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReserveQuantitiesByTypeOfReserveAxis_553504C06C623E430FE716F16A8AC309" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfReserveDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfReserveDomain_67F151785FE9BFB1011016F16A8A075B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReserveQuantitiesByTypeOfReserveAxis_553504C06C623E430FE716F16A8AC309" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfReserveDomain_67F151785FE9BFB1011016F16A8A075B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfReserveDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfReserveDomain_67F151785FE9BFB1011016F16A8A075B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReserveQuantitiesByTypeOfReserveAxis_553504C06C623E430FE716F16A8AC309" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfReserveDomain_67F151785FE9BFB1011016F16A8A075B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_ProvedPropertyMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_ProvedPropertyMember_387E00C00FED03B6343716F16A8AD9DE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfReserveDomain_67F151785FE9BFB1011016F16A8A075B" xlink:to="loc_qep_ProvedPropertyMember_387E00C00FED03B6343716F16A8AD9DE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_UnprovedPropertyMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_UnprovedPropertyMember_72D80F3E4B858FEA4FA516F16A8A070C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfReserveDomain_67F151785FE9BFB1011016F16A8A075B" xlink:to="loc_qep_UnprovedPropertyMember_72D80F3E4B858FEA4FA516F16A8A070C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationCostsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationCostsMember_8F239DCAD6BB14F28A2016F16A8A6482" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfReserveDomain_67F151785FE9BFB1011016F16A8A075B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationCostsMember_8F239DCAD6BB14F28A2016F16A8A6482" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_BargainPurchaseGainMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_BargainPurchaseGainMember_A371736EFBBCDBB63CB716F16A8A108F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfReserveDomain_67F151785FE9BFB1011016F16A8A075B" xlink:to="loc_qep_BargainPurchaseGainMember_A371736EFBBCDBB63CB716F16A8A108F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <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_F1010FEF0A2B5A0A618916F16A8AD6F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsTable_B7AFE999CBE2C9CA05D316F16A8AF157" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_F1010FEF0A2B5A0A618916F16A8AD6F6" 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_9E2F577873E2544AAD0616F16A8AF54E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_F1010FEF0A2B5A0A618916F16A8AD6F6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_9E2F577873E2544AAD0616F16A8AF54E_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_9E2F577873E2544AAD0616F16A8AF54E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_F1010FEF0A2B5A0A618916F16A8AD6F6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_9E2F577873E2544AAD0616F16A8AF54E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_A2016PermianBasinAcquisitionMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_A2016PermianBasinAcquisitionMember_8F30DA4CDB0E4B1694A716F16A8A29AF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_9E2F577873E2544AAD0616F16A8AF54E" xlink:to="loc_qep_A2016PermianBasinAcquisitionMember_8F30DA4CDB0E4B1694A716F16A8A29AF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis_1BEA77905420DC35A09E16F16A8ACF47" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsTable_B7AFE999CBE2C9CA05D316F16A8AF157" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis_1BEA77905420DC35A09E16F16A8ACF47" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsDomain_15F435A2833B13B0DFEF16F16A8A95C5_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis_1BEA77905420DC35A09E16F16A8ACF47" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsDomain_15F435A2833B13B0DFEF16F16A8A95C5_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsDomain_15F435A2833B13B0DFEF16F16A8A95C5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis_1BEA77905420DC35A09E16F16A8ACF47" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsDomain_15F435A2833B13B0DFEF16F16A8A95C5" 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_D2A2974ECFDDCA2E8A4516F16A8A842A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsTable_B7AFE999CBE2C9CA05D316F16A8AF157" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_D2A2974ECFDDCA2E8A4516F16A8A842A" 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_13D373B798C70A6331F516F16A8AB0D7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_D2A2974ECFDDCA2E8A4516F16A8A842A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_13D373B798C70A6331F516F16A8AB0D7_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_13D373B798C70A6331F516F16A8AB0D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_D2A2974ECFDDCA2E8A4516F16A8A842A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_13D373B798C70A6331F516F16A8AB0D7" 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_ED9121B0C8C33C208DE916F16A8B1E49" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsTable_B7AFE999CBE2C9CA05D316F16A8AF157" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_ED9121B0C8C33C208DE916F16A8B1E49" 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_1787958AFC55ABAFEE5D16F16A8B1A1C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_ED9121B0C8C33C208DE916F16A8B1E49" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_1787958AFC55ABAFEE5D16F16A8B1A1C_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_1787958AFC55ABAFEE5D16F16A8B1A1C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_ED9121B0C8C33C208DE916F16A8B1E49" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_1787958AFC55ABAFEE5D16F16A8B1A1C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_2721E7D92487DA63BDA416F16A8B6F54" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsLineItems_B82037C4AC7E664C8EE616F16A8BE0E7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_2721E7D92487DA63BDA416F16A8B6F54" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet_B2D97DD1E9D4ACB875B116F16A8BA482" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsLineItems_B82037C4AC7E664C8EE616F16A8BE0E7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet_B2D97DD1E9D4ACB875B116F16A8BA482" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/AcquisitionsDivestituresPurchaseAccountingEntriesTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <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: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/BasisOfPresentationImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairedLongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ImpairedLongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedLineItems_9BDB145A5ECA28E2AE4316F16AB1D001" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfImpairedLongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfImpairedLongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedTable_D976AE50E944C7F9E47F16F16AB0E6C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ImpairedLongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedLineItems_9BDB145A5ECA28E2AE4316F16AB1D001" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfImpairedLongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedTable_D976AE50E944C7F9E47F16F16AB0E6C8" 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_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_D4F35D207FA09487DB1516F16AB0F7D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfImpairedLongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedTable_D976AE50E944C7F9E47F16F16AB0E6C8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_D4F35D207FA09487DB1516F16AB0F7D8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_36B7CEC26B563040480416F16AB0ACE7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_D4F35D207FA09487DB1516F16AB0F7D8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_36B7CEC26B563040480416F16AB0ACE7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_36B7CEC26B563040480416F16AB0ACE7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_D4F35D207FA09487DB1516F16AB0F7D8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_36B7CEC26B563040480416F16AB0ACE7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_WillistonPermianBasinsMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_WillistonPermianBasinsMember_2E36DD8F69AB730B1BE216F16AB1ADFD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_36B7CEC26B563040480416F16AB0ACE7" xlink:to="loc_qep_WillistonPermianBasinsMember_2E36DD8F69AB730B1BE216F16AB1ADFD" 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_0BA3D64780D36E74B4A516F16AB15172" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfImpairedLongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedTable_D976AE50E944C7F9E47F16F16AB0E6C8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_0BA3D64780D36E74B4A516F16AB15172" 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_6C7CECCCA14B94A5DB8E16F16AB17464_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_0BA3D64780D36E74B4A516F16AB15172" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_6C7CECCCA14B94A5DB8E16F16AB17464_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_6C7CECCCA14B94A5DB8E16F16AB17464" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_0BA3D64780D36E74B4A516F16AB15172" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_6C7CECCCA14B94A5DB8E16F16AB17464" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_PinedaleMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_PinedaleMember_A072EAE6A55E948E27D416F16AB1831C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_6C7CECCCA14B94A5DB8E16F16AB17464" xlink:to="loc_qep_PinedaleMember_A072EAE6A55E948E27D416F16AB1831C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_OtherNorthernMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_OtherNorthernMember_EB321C5822EE217201C416F16AB1F32C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_6C7CECCCA14B94A5DB8E16F16AB17464" xlink:to="loc_qep_OtherNorthernMember_EB321C5822EE217201C416F16AB1F32C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_OtherSouthernMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_OtherSouthernMember_E9D57CC24A3E45E88BD716F16AB125E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_6C7CECCCA14B94A5DB8E16F16AB17464" xlink:to="loc_qep_OtherSouthernMember_E9D57CC24A3E45E88BD716F16AB125E7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <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_DA96148D074282EA957116F16AB1B192" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfImpairedLongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedTable_D976AE50E944C7F9E47F16F16AB0E6C8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AverageSalesPriceAndProductionCostsPerUnitOfProductionProductionTypeAxis_DA96148D074282EA957116F16AB1B192" 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_2BD95619727B51250C4316F16AB1C4DC_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AverageSalesPriceAndProductionCostsPerUnitOfProductionProductionTypeAxis_DA96148D074282EA957116F16AB1B192" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductionTypeDomain_2BD95619727B51250C4316F16AB1C4DC_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_2BD95619727B51250C4316F16AB1C4DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AverageSalesPriceAndProductionCostsPerUnitOfProductionProductionTypeAxis_DA96148D074282EA957116F16AB1B192" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductionTypeDomain_2BD95619727B51250C4316F16AB1C4DC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_ProvedPropertyMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_ProvedPropertyMember_BDCABAD03F46493AF26216F16AB1BD73" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductionTypeDomain_2BD95619727B51250C4316F16AB1C4DC" xlink:to="loc_qep_ProvedPropertyMember_BDCABAD03F46493AF26216F16AB1BD73" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_UnprovedPropertyMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_UnprovedPropertyMember_660D174DE316CB8DED4E16F16AB1996E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductionTypeDomain_2BD95619727B51250C4316F16AB1C4DC" xlink:to="loc_qep_UnprovedPropertyMember_660D174DE316CB8DED4E16F16AB1996E" 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_F2C2BBF10353A5272F2816F16AB17DAE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ImpairedLongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedLineItems_9BDB145A5ECA28E2AE4316F16AB1D001" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_F2C2BBF10353A5272F2816F16AB17DAE" 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_78BDE6C9F919CA9253C416F16AB1F2AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ImpairedLongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedLineItems_9BDB145A5ECA28E2AE4316F16AB1D001" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties_78BDE6C9F919CA9253C416F16AB1F2AC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillAcquiredDuringPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAcquiredDuringPeriod_B1351D89FE6F60A467C416F16AB1D043" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ImpairedLongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedLineItems_9BDB145A5ECA28E2AE4316F16AB1D001" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAcquiredDuringPeriod_B1351D89FE6F60A467C416F16AB1D043" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/CapitalizedExploratoryWellCosts" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_CapitalizedExploratoryWellCostsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_qep_CapitalizedExploratoryWellCostsLineItems_B0D469D5EEFCB9858E3A16F16B24AE61" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_CapitalizedExploratoryWellCostsTable" xlink:label="loc_qep_CapitalizedExploratoryWellCostsTable_4DB2B18D67983018DCA816F16B1F7391" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_qep_CapitalizedExploratoryWellCostsLineItems_B0D469D5EEFCB9858E3A16F16B24AE61" xlink:to="loc_qep_CapitalizedExploratoryWellCostsTable_4DB2B18D67983018DCA816F16B1F7391" 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_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_CB268DF15D96770A703416F16B1FF92A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_qep_CapitalizedExploratoryWellCostsTable_4DB2B18D67983018DCA816F16B1F7391" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_CB268DF15D96770A703416F16B1FF92A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_FEB1089854BFBCC7A01C16F16B244F59_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_CB268DF15D96770A703416F16B1FF92A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_FEB1089854BFBCC7A01C16F16B244F59_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_FEB1089854BFBCC7A01C16F16B244F59" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_CB268DF15D96770A703416F16B1FF92A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_FEB1089854BFBCC7A01C16F16B244F59" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/CapitalizedExploratoryWellCostsDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/CapitalizedExploratoryWellCostsTables" 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:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_D37C843BF6CDEAD97F8E66233F0F857F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_3EF0C9CBBC82F588B61666233F0E2576" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_D37C843BF6CDEAD97F8E66233F0F857F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_3EF0C9CBBC82F588B61666233F0E2576" 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_106F6D2268130ECFEEA566233F0FD0D0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_3EF0C9CBBC82F588B61666233F0E2576" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_106F6D2268130ECFEEA566233F0FD0D0" 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_F0921E8E8FD195E1E37C66233F0F4DA4_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_106F6D2268130ECFEEA566233F0FD0D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_F0921E8E8FD195E1E37C66233F0F4DA4_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_F0921E8E8FD195E1E37C66233F0F4DA4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_106F6D2268130ECFEEA566233F0FD0D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_F0921E8E8FD195E1E37C66233F0F4DA4" 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_02D7F602466B413B520E66233F0F43E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_3EF0C9CBBC82F588B61666233F0E2576" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_02D7F602466B413B520E66233F0F43E2" 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_F4F335479020CA718F7166233F0F1416_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_02D7F602466B413B520E66233F0F43E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_F4F335479020CA718F7166233F0F1416_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_F4F335479020CA718F7166233F0F1416" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_02D7F602466B413B520E66233F0F43E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_F4F335479020CA718F7166233F0F1416" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis_678BC976AD3659B94E8266233F0F9402" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_3EF0C9CBBC82F588B61666233F0E2576" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis_678BC976AD3659B94E8266233F0F9402" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationCaseTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_8E6D1890465E783F52BC66233F0F4FEA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis_678BC976AD3659B94E8266233F0F9402" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_8E6D1890465E783F52BC66233F0F4FEA_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationCaseTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_8E6D1890465E783F52BC66233F0F4FEA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis_678BC976AD3659B94E8266233F0F9402" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_8E6D1890465E783F52BC66233F0F4FEA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationStatusAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LitigationStatusAxis_CF7C7A2BDAE04B9862FB66233F0FFB53" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_3EF0C9CBBC82F588B61666233F0E2576" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LitigationStatusAxis_CF7C7A2BDAE04B9862FB66233F0FFB53" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationStatusDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LitigationStatusDomain_0DC81F69044811C5052B66233F0FB3DA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LitigationStatusAxis_CF7C7A2BDAE04B9862FB66233F0FFB53" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LitigationStatusDomain_0DC81F69044811C5052B66233F0FB3DA_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationStatusDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LitigationStatusDomain_0DC81F69044811C5052B66233F0FB3DA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LitigationStatusAxis_CF7C7A2BDAE04B9862FB66233F0FFB53" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LitigationStatusDomain_0DC81F69044811C5052B66233F0FB3DA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_0A1B5A5B1276EA3D236366233F0F06FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_3EF0C9CBBC82F588B61666233F0E2576" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_0A1B5A5B1276EA3D236366233F0F06FA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_58F2BF3F8E82DF0373A166233F0FB142_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_0A1B5A5B1276EA3D236366233F0F06FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_58F2BF3F8E82DF0373A166233F0FB142_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_58F2BF3F8E82DF0373A166233F0FB142" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_0A1B5A5B1276EA3D236366233F0F06FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_58F2BF3F8E82DF0373A166233F0FB142" 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_E8C7C117A79B24774E4A66233F0FD00F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_3EF0C9CBBC82F588B61666233F0E2576" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_E8C7C117A79B24774E4A66233F0FD00F" 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_085B0FDEC8273B453DC866233F0FF0BA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_E8C7C117A79B24774E4A66233F0FD00F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_085B0FDEC8273B453DC866233F0FF0BA_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_085B0FDEC8273B453DC866233F0FF0BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_E8C7C117A79B24774E4A66233F0FD00F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_085B0FDEC8273B453DC866233F0FF0BA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_LossonContingencyEstimateofPossibleLossMinimum" xlink:label="loc_qep_LossonContingencyEstimateofPossibleLossMinimum_8EC0E29C91A6BA27E29C66233F0F73DA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_D37C843BF6CDEAD97F8E66233F0F857F" xlink:to="loc_qep_LossonContingencyEstimateofPossibleLossMinimum_8EC0E29C91A6BA27E29C66233F0F73DA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_LossContingencyEstimateofPossibleLossMaximum" xlink:label="loc_qep_LossContingencyEstimateofPossibleLossMaximum_673F373454BFEA4399E666233F0F9A74" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_D37C843BF6CDEAD97F8E66233F0F857F" xlink:to="loc_qep_LossContingencyEstimateofPossibleLossMaximum_673F373454BFEA4399E666233F0F9A74" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <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_D804299284CABF855465662239CC5A63" 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_E1C99BB161C09FC7F0D7662239CCD206" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D804299284CABF855465662239CC5A63" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_E1C99BB161C09FC7F0D7662239CCD206" 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_D7100DCC26BDAE40AA1E662239CCD836" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_E1C99BB161C09FC7F0D7662239CCD206" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_D7100DCC26BDAE40AA1E662239CCD836" 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_2717A5A7CA341F9A8D5C662239CC1E53_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_D7100DCC26BDAE40AA1E662239CCD836" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_2717A5A7CA341F9A8D5C662239CC1E53_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_2717A5A7CA341F9A8D5C662239CC1E53" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_D7100DCC26BDAE40AA1E662239CCD836" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_2717A5A7CA341F9A8D5C662239CC1E53" 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_9B7EAA7E4F54C050871F662239CCEF26" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D804299284CABF855465662239CC5A63" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_9B7EAA7E4F54C050871F662239CCEF26" 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_64D9847DE82D3B885742662239CC5D48" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_9B7EAA7E4F54C050871F662239CCEF26" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_64D9847DE82D3B885742662239CC5D48" 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_B97ECBE8AB0C95ADF7D0662239CDAFEF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_64D9847DE82D3B885742662239CC5D48" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_B97ECBE8AB0C95ADF7D0662239CDAFEF" 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_BBAC1D8FC9C8B97B893A662239CD4A45" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_64D9847DE82D3B885742662239CC5D48" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_BBAC1D8FC9C8B97B893A662239CD4A45" 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_55CBBABFA6D7E87A5457662239CD8A1E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_64D9847DE82D3B885742662239CC5D48" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxesReceivable_55CBBABFA6D7E87A5457662239CD8A1E" 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_7732E199D52108BC7BEB6622CE7BB118" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_64D9847DE82D3B885742662239CC5D48" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsCurrent_7732E199D52108BC7BEB6622CE7BB118" 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_F017835BEAF50C119D13662239CD47FB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_64D9847DE82D3B885742662239CC5D48" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EnergyRelatedInventory_F017835BEAF50C119D13662239CD47FB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_8E4D1657B7C6F2014286662239CDCD54" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_64D9847DE82D3B885742662239CC5D48" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_8E4D1657B7C6F2014286662239CDCD54" 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_B537F44CCA2BE417C827662239CDC727" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_9B7EAA7E4F54C050871F662239CCEF26" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_B537F44CCA2BE417C827662239CDC727" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OilAndGasPropertySuccessfulEffortMethodNetAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasPropertySuccessfulEffortMethodNetAbstract_72133D37D82855180698662239CDBE11" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_9B7EAA7E4F54C050871F662239CCEF26" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasPropertySuccessfulEffortMethodNetAbstract_72133D37D82855180698662239CDBE11" 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_2A529D1D11E30935C273662239CD4947" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_9B7EAA7E4F54C050871F662239CCEF26" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract_2A529D1D11E30935C273662239CD4947" 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_ACEC9D4E45177661AF51662239CD016E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract_2A529D1D11E30935C273662239CD4947" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProvedOilAndGasPropertySuccessfulEffortMethod_ACEC9D4E45177661AF51662239CD016E" 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_8068B02911A06DDBE7B3662239CDE16F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract_2A529D1D11E30935C273662239CD4947" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnprovedOilAndGasPropertySuccessfulEffortMethod_8068B02911A06DDBE7B3662239CDE16F" 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_37BE2750EF3A2AF32551662239CDD13F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract_2A529D1D11E30935C273662239CD4947" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentOther_37BE2750EF3A2AF32551662239CDD13F" 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_32C41C3B94F63B872ED7662239CD2B5F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract_2A529D1D11E30935C273662239CD4947" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InventoryDrillingNoncurrent_32C41C3B94F63B872ED7662239CD2B5F" 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_3166933D4BFF6471858C662239CD03D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract_2A529D1D11E30935C273662239CD4947" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_3166933D4BFF6471858C662239CD03D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OilAndGasPropertySuccessfulEffortMethodAccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAmortizationAndImpairmentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasPropertySuccessfulEffortMethodAccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAmortizationAndImpairmentAbstract_4EBD39DECBED6B93A5FA662239D25686" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_9B7EAA7E4F54C050871F662239CCEF26" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasPropertySuccessfulEffortMethodAccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAmortizationAndImpairmentAbstract_4EBD39DECBED6B93A5FA662239D25686" 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_9BC04689B24EEAEA9724662239D26C91" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_9B7EAA7E4F54C050871F662239CCEF26" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationNonproductionAbstract_9BC04689B24EEAEA9724662239D26C91" 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_E2F6373ED150A33EE9BF662239D27CE4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationNonproductionAbstract_9BC04689B24EEAEA9724662239D26C91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasPropertySuccessfulEffortMethodAccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_E2F6373ED150A33EE9BF662239D27CE4" 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_A30BFE4F5661E875B562662239D372BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationNonproductionAbstract_9BC04689B24EEAEA9724662239D26C91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentOtherAccumulatedDepreciation_A30BFE4F5661E875B562662239D372BA" 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_220AF42A2545FF23487F662239D3B01F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationNonproductionAbstract_9BC04689B24EEAEA9724662239D26C91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_220AF42A2545FF23487F662239D3B01F" 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_420616D3FE256996547C662239D39512" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_9B7EAA7E4F54C050871F662239CCEF26" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_420616D3FE256996547C662239D39512" 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_CF06B992F942A28F3FEE662239D3759B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_9B7EAA7E4F54C050871F662239CCEF26" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgesNoncurrent_CF06B992F942A28F3FEE662239D3759B" 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_596F213F20B5C42889D0662239D31015" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_9B7EAA7E4F54C050871F662239CCEF26" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_596F213F20B5C42889D0662239D31015" 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_1313D54F27324295803D662239D340FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_9B7EAA7E4F54C050871F662239CCEF26" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_1313D54F27324295803D662239D340FD" 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_B0897BF74A6878113B3B662239D3B6E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D804299284CABF855465662239CC5A63" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_B0897BF74A6878113B3B662239D3B6E9" 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_76E47C9F8D768CCA78CA662239D3801D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_B0897BF74A6878113B3B662239D3B6E9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_76E47C9F8D768CCA78CA662239D3801D" 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_AF15ED414909CBBD303C662239D3E185" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_76E47C9F8D768CCA78CA662239D3801D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BankOverdrafts_AF15ED414909CBBD303C662239D3E185" 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_0E8455C8CBC30BBD622D662239D3325F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_76E47C9F8D768CCA78CA662239D3801D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_0E8455C8CBC30BBD622D662239D3325F" 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_31EF06479ED237F38BEF662239D3A63E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_76E47C9F8D768CCA78CA662239D3801D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccrualForTaxesOtherThanIncomeTaxesCurrent_31EF06479ED237F38BEF662239D3A63E" 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_4DEC609FE5E25C163FF0662239D3CE8F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_76E47C9F8D768CCA78CA662239D3801D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrent_4DEC609FE5E25C163FF0662239D3CE8F" 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_5A6E4B422054C0CFF785662239D3B80D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_76E47C9F8D768CCA78CA662239D3801D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent_5A6E4B422054C0CFF785662239D3B80D" 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_E24471B1D80A1DB8502F662239F47842" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_76E47C9F8D768CCA78CA662239D3801D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent_E24471B1D80A1DB8502F662239F47842" 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_1EDA9B7F8A0B255577B6662239D30FEE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_76E47C9F8D768CCA78CA662239D3801D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_1EDA9B7F8A0B255577B6662239D30FEE" 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_943E4FFCD699319E3D46662239D44A54" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_B0897BF74A6878113B3B662239D3B6E9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_943E4FFCD699319E3D46662239D44A54" 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_1B6D49A70D635FA1E6FC662239D4B470" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_B0897BF74A6878113B3B662239D3B6E9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent_1B6D49A70D635FA1E6FC662239D4B470" 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_E0BF5687AD28BCF30AF7662239D410E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_B0897BF74A6878113B3B662239D3B6E9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationsNoncurrent_E0BF5687AD28BCF30AF7662239D410E2" 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_DE85C068A95A01EE5DC5662239D4E28C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_B0897BF74A6878113B3B662239D3B6E9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent_DE85C068A95A01EE5DC5662239D4E28C" 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_2FD4AF543EC62BF00661662239D4DBF4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_B0897BF74A6878113B3B662239D3B6E9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_2FD4AF543EC62BF00661662239D4DBF4" 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_53943CFF119889FFAEEA662239D41AED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_B0897BF74A6878113B3B662239D3B6E9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_53943CFF119889FFAEEA662239D41AED" 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_0FF5D35D6E0BAC257479662239D44A8C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_B0897BF74A6878113B3B662239D3B6E9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_0FF5D35D6E0BAC257479662239D44A8C" 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_19E496B35A93EF9D90DC662239D41495" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_0FF5D35D6E0BAC257479662239D44A8C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_19E496B35A93EF9D90DC662239D41495" 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_5D28EFEFD9C891E09915662239D46B2E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_0FF5D35D6E0BAC257479662239D44A8C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockValue_5D28EFEFD9C891E09915662239D46B2E" 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_18280C2EC757B6DBD24E662239D43680" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_0FF5D35D6E0BAC257479662239D44A8C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock_18280C2EC757B6DBD24E662239D43680" 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_3D6204BB03978761786A662239D4BF3F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_0FF5D35D6E0BAC257479662239D44A8C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_3D6204BB03978761786A662239D4BF3F" 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_4C86553D7DDA98632CB6662239D401F1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_0FF5D35D6E0BAC257479662239D44A8C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_4C86553D7DDA98632CB6662239D401F1" 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_5A4C2F787366A7C01227662239D45E3E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_0FF5D35D6E0BAC257479662239D44A8C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_5A4C2F787366A7C01227662239D45E3E" 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_7082FF9A1D7C1D283A64662239D40284" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_B0897BF74A6878113B3B662239D3B6E9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_7082FF9A1D7C1D283A64662239D40284" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_A84E01E188E29938CF4A662239D4B155" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D804299284CABF855465662239CC5A63" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_A84E01E188E29938CF4A662239D4B155" 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/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_76B498C2507E948E2FAE66233F8248D7" 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_D5B0711908640D21E9B466233F8213FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_76B498C2507E948E2FAE66233F8248D7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_D5B0711908640D21E9B466233F8213FE" 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_07E7EAB8890309FA1FE966233F824B3E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_D5B0711908640D21E9B466233F8213FE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_07E7EAB8890309FA1FE966233F824B3E" 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_3455E6801B9B07A79C8166233F82C938_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_07E7EAB8890309FA1FE966233F824B3E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_3455E6801B9B07A79C8166233F82C938_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_3455E6801B9B07A79C8166233F82C938" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_07E7EAB8890309FA1FE966233F824B3E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_3455E6801B9B07A79C8166233F82C938" 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_28DCBB73DBCD98E63E9166233F823992" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_76B498C2507E948E2FAE66233F8248D7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_28DCBB73DBCD98E63E9166233F823992" 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_BE7B27B3ADC86BE6795F66233F833726" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_28DCBB73DBCD98E63E9166233F823992" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_BE7B27B3ADC86BE6795F66233F833726" 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_655B8428EC00A938552766233F8377D0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_28DCBB73DBCD98E63E9166233F823992" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_655B8428EC00A938552766233F8377D0" 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_CC51746FF1615B2762AA66233F83176B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_655B8428EC00A938552766233F8377D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_CC51746FF1615B2762AA66233F83176B" 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_12748B9508FBAE77273966233F835B90" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_655B8428EC00A938552766233F8377D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_12748B9508FBAE77273966233F835B90" 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_BEA118AA4060DFCA394766233F83D140" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_655B8428EC00A938552766233F8377D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_BEA118AA4060DFCA394766233F83D140" 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_026F84C7A71477B2765766233F838E1B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_655B8428EC00A938552766233F8377D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationBargainPurchaseGainRecognizedAmount_026F84C7A71477B2765766233F838E1B" 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_7EF381768A6FE4E4923F66233F8360A0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_655B8428EC00A938552766233F8377D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_7EF381768A6FE4E4923F66233F8360A0" 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_8BD27840E4962014D0C166233F83E194" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_655B8428EC00A938552766233F8377D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCostsAndDiscounts_8BD27840E4962014D0C166233F83E194" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets_51452D0700323C39F50A66233F83A4CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_655B8428EC00A938552766233F8377D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets_51452D0700323C39F50A66233F83A4CD" 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_4442247B70832282709B66233F835625" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_655B8428EC00A938552766233F8377D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesUnrealizedGainLossExcludingOtherThanTemporaryImpairments_4442247B70832282709B66233F835625" 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_CF30BD643D57C2A955D266233F84B42C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_655B8428EC00A938552766233F8377D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives_CF30BD643D57C2A955D266233F84B42C" 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_F071BB13CBA04D3AE13A66233F84E57C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_655B8428EC00A938552766233F8377D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapital_F071BB13CBA04D3AE13A66233F84E57C" 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_5BCD5A5C801FF604499766233F840240" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_28DCBB73DBCD98E63E9166233F823992" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations_5BCD5A5C801FF604499766233F840240" 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_CD29AE13A544A83B9BA866233F842FD6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_76B498C2507E948E2FAE66233F8248D7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_CD29AE13A544A83B9BA866233F842FD6" 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_E81A525E509F38905AF866233F84D42F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_CD29AE13A544A83B9BA866233F842FD6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOilAndGasProperty_E81A525E509F38905AF866233F84D42F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_AcquisitionDepositHeldInEscrow" xlink:label="loc_qep_AcquisitionDepositHeldInEscrow_0EA2F90CD372FBD78A896625D9194218" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_CD29AE13A544A83B9BA866233F842FD6" xlink:to="loc_qep_AcquisitionDepositHeldInEscrow_0EA2F90CD372FBD78A896625D9194218" 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_A853F0632C506C995CF366233F842C4A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_CD29AE13A544A83B9BA866233F842FD6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOilAndGasEquipment_A853F0632C506C995CF366233F842C4A" 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_75AB6BF98A74D79B584F66233F84C400" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_CD29AE13A544A83B9BA866233F842FD6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfOilAndGasPropertyAndEquipment_75AB6BF98A74D79B584F66233F84C400" 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_C249FC7CBA49615FBEF966233F843B0F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_CD29AE13A544A83B9BA866233F842FD6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations_C249FC7CBA49615FBEF966233F843B0F" 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_D049F1D7C7E04212C5CD66233F8437F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_76B498C2507E948E2FAE66233F8248D7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_D049F1D7C7E04212C5CD66233F8437F9" 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_85F7F036B656B5208B6F66233F8454B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_D049F1D7C7E04212C5CD66233F8437F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOutstandingChecksFinancingActivities_85F7F036B656B5208B6F66233F8454B9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts_C4AEF9B27E41A00C6756662778B13AF0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_D049F1D7C7E04212C5CD66233F8437F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts_C4AEF9B27E41A00C6756662778B13AF0" 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_13EFBF04EC93CBCFEE0366233F84DC2F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_D049F1D7C7E04212C5CD66233F8437F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock_13EFBF04EC93CBCFEE0366233F84DC2F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromOtherEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromOtherEquity_1A48B88D52F0B8413E6566233F84E0A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_D049F1D7C7E04212C5CD66233F8437F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromOtherEquity_1A48B88D52F0B8413E6566233F84E0A6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_F60239EBC23D9D9BC83666233F84099F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_D049F1D7C7E04212C5CD66233F8437F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_F60239EBC23D9D9BC83666233F84099F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_Excesstaxprovisionbenefitonsharebasedcompensation" xlink:label="loc_qep_Excesstaxprovisionbenefitonsharebasedcompensation_8CBB464B1B24709CB40966233F8445FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_D049F1D7C7E04212C5CD66233F8437F9" xlink:to="loc_qep_Excesstaxprovisionbenefitonsharebasedcompensation_8CBB464B1B24709CB40966233F8445FE" 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_55FB91915F630CC3C45866233F844F27" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_D049F1D7C7E04212C5CD66233F8437F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations_55FB91915F630CC3C45866233F844F27" 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_727F0842B3587DF5C0EE66233F841325" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_76B498C2507E948E2FAE66233F8248D7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease_727F0842B3587DF5C0EE66233F841325" 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_5365CB74B0E23602563366233F843CD4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_76B498C2507E948E2FAE66233F8248D7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_5365CB74B0E23602563366233F843CD4" 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_F0D953519F677E13918666233F85888D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_76B498C2507E948E2FAE66233F8248D7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowElementsAbstract_F0D953519F677E13918666233F85888D" 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_64D1A8F100376323DB7366233F850257" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowElementsAbstract_F0D953519F677E13918666233F85888D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestPaidNet_64D1A8F100376323DB7366233F850257" 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_9CF4F1491E8A13E0B19066233F8520E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowElementsAbstract_F0D953519F677E13918666233F85888D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet_9CF4F1491E8A13E0B19066233F8520E8" 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_84C261A79D8666DC325B66233F856114" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowElementsAbstract_F0D953519F677E13918666233F85888D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncashInvestingAndFinancingItemsAbstract_84C261A79D8666DC325B66233F856114" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_Changeincapitalexpenditureaccrualsandothernoncashadjustments" xlink:label="loc_qep_Changeincapitalexpenditureaccrualsandothernoncashadjustments_8D3852329C49C9D0FA7D66233F85D2F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashInvestingAndFinancingItemsAbstract_84C261A79D8666DC325B66233F856114" xlink:to="loc_qep_Changeincapitalexpenditureaccrualsandothernoncashadjustments_8D3852329C49C9D0FA7D66233F85D2F6" 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_B9D3E13673C5946AEE3A6618E0D81215" 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_49B99624B1F02F4E248D6618E0D70C83" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B9D3E13673C5946AEE3A6618E0D81215" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_49B99624B1F02F4E248D6618E0D70C83" 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_85DBFBEB7D3FC94AEA6E6618E0D7D0E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_49B99624B1F02F4E248D6618E0D70C83" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_85DBFBEB7D3FC94AEA6E6618E0D7D0E7" 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_007B4DA9EC4021CBD81A6618E0D74487_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_85DBFBEB7D3FC94AEA6E6618E0D7D0E7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_007B4DA9EC4021CBD81A6618E0D74487_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_007B4DA9EC4021CBD81A6618E0D74487" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_85DBFBEB7D3FC94AEA6E6618E0D7D0E7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_007B4DA9EC4021CBD81A6618E0D74487" 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_27C07B07A1B6CCD08A5A6618E0DDF917" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B9D3E13673C5946AEE3A6618E0D81215" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTax_27C07B07A1B6CCD08A5A6618E0DDF917" 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_AD6E2EEE7F5E10E16CB016F16A68421E" 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_B100593D3C4227E887BF16F16A672CCE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AD6E2EEE7F5E10E16CB016F16A68421E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_B100593D3C4227E887BF16F16A672CCE" 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_396117418A38515C597916F16A688F68" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_B100593D3C4227E887BF16F16A672CCE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_396117418A38515C597916F16A688F68" 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_207F9CA609E1BE2BDB9816F16A6892C9_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_396117418A38515C597916F16A688F68" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_207F9CA609E1BE2BDB9816F16A6892C9_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_207F9CA609E1BE2BDB9816F16A6892C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_396117418A38515C597916F16A688F68" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_207F9CA609E1BE2BDB9816F16A6892C9" 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_2A104C0594BB6073C98616F16A6840FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_207F9CA609E1BE2BDB9816F16A6892C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember_2A104C0594BB6073C98616F16A6840FD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_SeniorNotesDue2018Member" xlink:label="loc_qep_SeniorNotesDue2018Member_CAC20D24330434E54B8D16F16A68FF2C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_207F9CA609E1BE2BDB9816F16A6892C9" xlink:to="loc_qep_SeniorNotesDue2018Member_CAC20D24330434E54B8D16F16A68FF2C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_SeniorNotesDue2020Member" xlink:label="loc_qep_SeniorNotesDue2020Member_DE25A219154B2F725A3A16F16A681BA2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_207F9CA609E1BE2BDB9816F16A6892C9" xlink:to="loc_qep_SeniorNotesDue2020Member_DE25A219154B2F725A3A16F16A681BA2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_SeniorNotesDue2021Member" xlink:label="loc_qep_SeniorNotesDue2021Member_88E6ECDE002423AB740E16F16A689191" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_207F9CA609E1BE2BDB9816F16A6892C9" xlink:to="loc_qep_SeniorNotesDue2021Member_88E6ECDE002423AB740E16F16A689191" 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_F68BAC4137BAC27D789616F16A6855F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AD6E2EEE7F5E10E16CB016F16A68421E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_F68BAC4137BAC27D789616F16A6855F9" 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_A0CE929BC5A345C3648916F16A68C37D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AD6E2EEE7F5E10E16CB016F16A68421E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_A0CE929BC5A345C3648916F16A68C37D" 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_BE239FE38D529E1AA45C16F16A68E4C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AD6E2EEE7F5E10E16CB016F16A68421E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate_BE239FE38D529E1AA45C16F16A68E4C4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_DebtMaturityPeriod" xlink:label="loc_qep_DebtMaturityPeriod_6C45470D774276F5588416F16A689C17" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AD6E2EEE7F5E10E16CB016F16A68421E" xlink:to="loc_qep_DebtMaturityPeriod_6C45470D774276F5588416F16A689C17" 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_F2874548D2BFDF95C02316F16A68446F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AD6E2EEE7F5E10E16CB016F16A68421E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity_F2874548D2BFDF95C02316F16A68446F" 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_B4B49F61983BC3BC7DD216F16A68EDAC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AD6E2EEE7F5E10E16CB016F16A68421E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_B4B49F61983BC3BC7DD216F16A68EDAC" 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_AF1129A3B490D22749E516F16A6867FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AD6E2EEE7F5E10E16CB016F16A68421E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeniorNotes_AF1129A3B490D22749E516F16A6867FC" 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_4C634661F88327E1CE5C16F16A68C8E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AD6E2EEE7F5E10E16CB016F16A68421E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDateRangeStart1_4C634661F88327E1CE5C16F16A68C8E7" 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_D62E903CEE333E2DA36B16F16A6972C3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AD6E2EEE7F5E10E16CB016F16A68421E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDateRangeEnd1_D62E903CEE333E2DA36B16F16A6972C3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_DebtinstrumentStatedRateRangeMinimum" xlink:label="loc_qep_DebtinstrumentStatedRateRangeMinimum_0F0846B4C4A03A74A61216F16A69C883" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AD6E2EEE7F5E10E16CB016F16A68421E" xlink:to="loc_qep_DebtinstrumentStatedRateRangeMinimum_0F0846B4C4A03A74A61216F16A69C883" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_DebtInstrumentStatedRateRangeMaximum" xlink:label="loc_qep_DebtInstrumentStatedRateRangeMaximum_0B427ACC6F2597969A2916F16A69779E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AD6E2EEE7F5E10E16CB016F16A68421E" xlink:to="loc_qep_DebtInstrumentStatedRateRangeMaximum_0B427ACC6F2597969A2916F16A69779E" 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_F686CC6E1D18C243D60B66233F16ECF7" 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_E0C2B0A1D11E949C5B2F66233F15EA31" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_F686CC6E1D18C243D60B66233F16ECF7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_E0C2B0A1D11E949C5B2F66233F15EA31" 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_46761148A481ECAA58D866233F153D0D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_E0C2B0A1D11E949C5B2F66233F15EA31" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_46761148A481ECAA58D866233F153D0D" 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_BC02358BA2C90E32027366233F1545EC_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_46761148A481ECAA58D866233F153D0D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_BC02358BA2C90E32027366233F1545EC_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_BC02358BA2C90E32027366233F1545EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_46761148A481ECAA58D866233F153D0D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_BC02358BA2C90E32027366233F1545EC" 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_7242E0351E15210CF5F266233F152628" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_BC02358BA2C90E32027366233F1545EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember_7242E0351E15210CF5F266233F152628" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_SeniorNotesDue2018Member" xlink:label="loc_qep_SeniorNotesDue2018Member_6CBBF9FA8729CFECFDD766233F159599" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_BC02358BA2C90E32027366233F1545EC" xlink:to="loc_qep_SeniorNotesDue2018Member_6CBBF9FA8729CFECFDD766233F159599" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_SeniorNotesDue2020Member" xlink:label="loc_qep_SeniorNotesDue2020Member_DEB5F41DCF28CA8FF9F466233F151D2F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_BC02358BA2C90E32027366233F1545EC" xlink:to="loc_qep_SeniorNotesDue2020Member_DEB5F41DCF28CA8FF9F466233F151D2F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_SeniorNotesDue2021Member" xlink:label="loc_qep_SeniorNotesDue2021Member_A588E36AE4364AA6E2D166233F1527D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_BC02358BA2C90E32027366233F1545EC" xlink:to="loc_qep_SeniorNotesDue2021Member_A588E36AE4364AA6E2D166233F1527D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_SeniorNotesDue2022Member" xlink:label="loc_qep_SeniorNotesDue2022Member_BFE84A99278CFC2C94A766233F16213A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_BC02358BA2C90E32027366233F1545EC" xlink:to="loc_qep_SeniorNotesDue2022Member_BFE84A99278CFC2C94A766233F16213A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_A525SeniorNotesDue2023Member" xlink:label="loc_qep_A525SeniorNotesDue2023Member_79F7B4552CF6A297340666233F16E071" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_BC02358BA2C90E32027366233F1545EC" xlink:to="loc_qep_A525SeniorNotesDue2023Member_79F7B4552CF6A297340666233F16E071" 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_70EAF0EE0D86EF3BD56466233F165F85" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_F686CC6E1D18C243D60B66233F16ECF7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_70EAF0EE0D86EF3BD56466233F165F85" 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_2FAD6A531F6362A77A3C66233F16F686" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_F686CC6E1D18C243D60B66233F16ECF7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount_2FAD6A531F6362A77A3C66233F16F686" 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_BF6BC3041EE03978ECB666233F1628A4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_F686CC6E1D18C243D60B66233F16ECF7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_BF6BC3041EE03978ECB666233F1628A4" 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_5756AFADD3F163510EED66233F164586" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_F686CC6E1D18C243D60B66233F16ECF7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_5756AFADD3F163510EED66233F164586" 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_BA5A5F6E2C75A2FCAAD0665242E46D5F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_F686CC6E1D18C243D60B66233F16ECF7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent_BA5A5F6E2C75A2FCAAD0665242E46D5F" 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_F0288210ECA3C57DC5FD16F16A7EAAE1" 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_2DB9BCF294A518E5DF9A16F16A7DB9A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_F0288210ECA3C57DC5FD16F16A7EAAE1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_2DB9BCF294A518E5DF9A16F16A7DB9A7" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_DerivativeInstrumentContractTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_qep_DerivativeInstrumentContractTypeAxis_01FF87D5CB90841799F016F16A7D0078" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_2DB9BCF294A518E5DF9A16F16A7DB9A7" xlink:to="loc_qep_DerivativeInstrumentContractTypeAxis_01FF87D5CB90841799F016F16A7D0078" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_DerivativeInstrumentContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_qep_DerivativeInstrumentContractTypeDomain_BEC5B78A3B11E4A45B5116F16A7D04F8_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_qep_DerivativeInstrumentContractTypeAxis_01FF87D5CB90841799F016F16A7D0078" xlink:to="loc_qep_DerivativeInstrumentContractTypeDomain_BEC5B78A3B11E4A45B5116F16A7D04F8_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_DerivativeInstrumentContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_qep_DerivativeInstrumentContractTypeDomain_BEC5B78A3B11E4A45B5116F16A7D04F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_qep_DerivativeInstrumentContractTypeAxis_01FF87D5CB90841799F016F16A7D0078" xlink:to="loc_qep_DerivativeInstrumentContractTypeDomain_BEC5B78A3B11E4A45B5116F16A7D04F8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_OilDerivativeContractsMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_OilDerivativeContractsMember_E8FBED3E06BA41F546C716F16A7D8FFA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_DerivativeInstrumentContractTypeDomain_BEC5B78A3B11E4A45B5116F16A7D04F8" xlink:to="loc_qep_OilDerivativeContractsMember_E8FBED3E06BA41F546C716F16A7D8FFA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_NaturalGasDerivativeContractsMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_NaturalGasDerivativeContractsMember_0FB584B7F4DFCE0D0E2716F16A7D86B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_DerivativeInstrumentContractTypeDomain_BEC5B78A3B11E4A45B5116F16A7D04F8" xlink:to="loc_qep_NaturalGasDerivativeContractsMember_0FB584B7F4DFCE0D0E2716F16A7D86B6" 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_3FF2DCFAA80F7A03961016F16A7DFBB4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_2DB9BCF294A518E5DF9A16F16A7DB9A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_3FF2DCFAA80F7A03961016F16A7DFBB4" 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_AF27B37B8778304E306516F16A7E4F62_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_3FF2DCFAA80F7A03961016F16A7DFBB4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_AF27B37B8778304E306516F16A7E4F62_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_AF27B37B8778304E306516F16A7E4F62" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_3FF2DCFAA80F7A03961016F16A7DFBB4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_AF27B37B8778304E306516F16A7E4F62" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_ProductionMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_ProductionMember_87AABF78D6E289C040AA16F16A7EAEA9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_AF27B37B8778304E306516F16A7E4F62" xlink:to="loc_qep_ProductionMember_87AABF78D6E289C040AA16F16A7EAEA9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_NaturalGasDerivativeContractsMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_NaturalGasDerivativeContractsMember_415F7AD5139C2875C22416F16A7E57FB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_AF27B37B8778304E306516F16A7E4F62" xlink:to="loc_qep_NaturalGasDerivativeContractsMember_415F7AD5139C2875C22416F16A7E57FB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_OilDerivativeContractsMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_OilDerivativeContractsMember_EA042BCE28126121313F16F16A7E7742" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_AF27B37B8778304E306516F16A7E4F62" xlink:to="loc_qep_OilDerivativeContractsMember_EA042BCE28126121313F16F16A7E7742" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_StorageMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_StorageMember_C7A1D99835EB3942ABCD16F16A7E5FF8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_AF27B37B8778304E306516F16A7E4F62" xlink:to="loc_qep_StorageMember_C7A1D99835EB3942ABCD16F16A7E5FF8" 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_30A4EE7B1377B8B89F6C16F16A7EEFDB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_2DB9BCF294A518E5DF9A16F16A7DB9A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_30A4EE7B1377B8B89F6C16F16A7EEFDB" 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_53DC1F7DA7BE27C3C9AE16F16A7E7B88_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_30A4EE7B1377B8B89F6C16F16A7EEFDB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_53DC1F7DA7BE27C3C9AE16F16A7E7B88_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_53DC1F7DA7BE27C3C9AE16F16A7E7B88" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_30A4EE7B1377B8B89F6C16F16A7EEFDB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_53DC1F7DA7BE27C3C9AE16F16A7E7B88" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_RealizedGainLossOnCommodityDerivativeContractsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstruments" xlink:label="loc_qep_RealizedGainLossOnCommodityDerivativeContractsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstruments_CAC3845D949822C6F33516F16A7EA522" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_F0288210ECA3C57DC5FD16F16A7EAAE1" xlink:to="loc_qep_RealizedGainLossOnCommodityDerivativeContractsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstruments_CAC3845D949822C6F33516F16A7EA522" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_UnrealizedGainLossOnCommodityDerivativeContractsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstruments" xlink:label="loc_qep_UnrealizedGainLossOnCommodityDerivativeContractsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstruments_D49B064EC4C67BB0C21F16F16A7EB282" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_F0288210ECA3C57DC5FD16F16A7EAAE1" xlink:to="loc_qep_UnrealizedGainLossOnCommodityDerivativeContractsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstruments_D49B064EC4C67BB0C21F16F16A7EB282" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_RealizedAndUnrealizedGainLossOnCommodityDerivativeContractsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstruments" xlink:label="loc_qep_RealizedAndUnrealizedGainLossOnCommodityDerivativeContractsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstruments_3F5B938F92824250D93616F16A7EC6B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_F0288210ECA3C57DC5FD16F16A7EAAE1" xlink:to="loc_qep_RealizedAndUnrealizedGainLossOnCommodityDerivativeContractsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstruments_3F5B938F92824250D93616F16A7EC6B6" 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_2D7570ABDFCCD1446BB416F16B67BEF9" 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_0B563740CD268B943F9C16F16B6612F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_2D7570ABDFCCD1446BB416F16B67BEF9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_0B563740CD268B943F9C16F16B6612F6" 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_6DAA628B29927926BE0C16F16B66C36D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_0B563740CD268B943F9C16F16B6612F6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_6DAA628B29927926BE0C16F16B66C36D" 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_265D4B357D5FF2D9F93E16F16B66200F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_6DAA628B29927926BE0C16F16B66C36D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_265D4B357D5FF2D9F93E16F16B66200F_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_265D4B357D5FF2D9F93E16F16B66200F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_6DAA628B29927926BE0C16F16B66C36D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_265D4B357D5FF2D9F93E16F16B66200F" 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_4A4F601ADF5F7FD56CDA16F16B672187" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_0B563740CD268B943F9C16F16B6612F6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_4A4F601ADF5F7FD56CDA16F16B672187" 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_D8610CD70F46278C316316F16B6742BE_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_4A4F601ADF5F7FD56CDA16F16B672187" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_D8610CD70F46278C316316F16B6742BE_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_D8610CD70F46278C316316F16B6742BE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_4A4F601ADF5F7FD56CDA16F16B672187" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_D8610CD70F46278C316316F16B6742BE" 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_51A56B4D070ADE31E45D16F16B67D3C3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_0B563740CD268B943F9C16F16B6612F6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_51A56B4D070ADE31E45D16F16B67D3C3" 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_14F5681FA7E76C21B04516F16B67B482_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_51A56B4D070ADE31E45D16F16B67D3C3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_14F5681FA7E76C21B04516F16B67B482_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_14F5681FA7E76C21B04516F16B67B482" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_51A56B4D070ADE31E45D16F16B67D3C3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_14F5681FA7E76C21B04516F16B67B482" 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_B1990A38B33D99E3432716F16B67D52A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_14F5681FA7E76C21B04516F16B67B482" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_B1990A38B33D99E3432716F16B67D52A" 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_07C1CE0750F979BD5C6616F16B670D6F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_14F5681FA7E76C21B04516F16B67B482" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_07C1CE0750F979BD5C6616F16B670D6F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_MaximumForecastedProductionCoveredByDerivatives" xlink:label="loc_qep_MaximumForecastedProductionCoveredByDerivatives_44564268E557BC3862F916F16B67841C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_2D7570ABDFCCD1446BB416F16B67BEF9" xlink:to="loc_qep_MaximumForecastedProductionCoveredByDerivatives_44564268E557BC3862F916F16B67841C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_ExpectedAnnualProductionCoveredByDerivatives" xlink:label="loc_qep_ExpectedAnnualProductionCoveredByDerivatives_190097C191892B2728D416F16B67F2A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_2D7570ABDFCCD1446BB416F16B67BEF9" xlink:to="loc_qep_ExpectedAnnualProductionCoveredByDerivatives_190097C191892B2728D416F16B67F2A5" 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_5C23EC96680F8A2CE9DF66233F38028B" 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_D8C0B6A4A3072F46E52F66233F361452" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_5C23EC96680F8A2CE9DF66233F38028B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_D8C0B6A4A3072F46E52F66233F361452" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_DerivativeInstrumentContractTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_qep_DerivativeInstrumentContractTypeAxis_C996BAD7444BC6C7610A66233F363A63" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_D8C0B6A4A3072F46E52F66233F361452" xlink:to="loc_qep_DerivativeInstrumentContractTypeAxis_C996BAD7444BC6C7610A66233F363A63" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_DerivativeInstrumentContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_qep_DerivativeInstrumentContractTypeDomain_34CC826CE10EC5C4829266233F362F70_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_qep_DerivativeInstrumentContractTypeAxis_C996BAD7444BC6C7610A66233F363A63" xlink:to="loc_qep_DerivativeInstrumentContractTypeDomain_34CC826CE10EC5C4829266233F362F70_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_DerivativeInstrumentContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_qep_DerivativeInstrumentContractTypeDomain_34CC826CE10EC5C4829266233F362F70" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_qep_DerivativeInstrumentContractTypeAxis_C996BAD7444BC6C7610A66233F363A63" xlink:to="loc_qep_DerivativeInstrumentContractTypeDomain_34CC826CE10EC5C4829266233F362F70" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_OilBasisSwapsMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_OilBasisSwapsMember_AE1A5927146220FD6DE066233F369402" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_DerivativeInstrumentContractTypeDomain_34CC826CE10EC5C4829266233F362F70" xlink:to="loc_qep_OilBasisSwapsMember_AE1A5927146220FD6DE066233F369402" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_GasSwapsMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_GasSwapsMember_8A54DC1A859A39CF099F66233F37A391" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_DerivativeInstrumentContractTypeDomain_34CC826CE10EC5C4829266233F362F70" xlink:to="loc_qep_GasSwapsMember_8A54DC1A859A39CF099F66233F37A391" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_OilSwapsMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_OilSwapsMember_3FB872EF45B9C4ACA1A066233F37421D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_DerivativeInstrumentContractTypeDomain_34CC826CE10EC5C4829266233F362F70" xlink:to="loc_qep_OilSwapsMember_3FB872EF45B9C4ACA1A066233F37421D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_GasCollarsMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_GasCollarsMember_EA7CB5409A91E1BF411266233F37FFEC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_DerivativeInstrumentContractTypeDomain_34CC826CE10EC5C4829266233F362F70" xlink:to="loc_qep_GasCollarsMember_EA7CB5409A91E1BF411266233F37FFEC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_GasBasisSwapsMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_GasBasisSwapsMember_814DE880BD21A0BFD8E066233F37FB87" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_DerivativeInstrumentContractTypeDomain_34CC826CE10EC5C4829266233F362F70" xlink:to="loc_qep_GasBasisSwapsMember_814DE880BD21A0BFD8E066233F37FB87" 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_9298AB72822D643CF07066233F3722AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_D8C0B6A4A3072F46E52F66233F361452" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_9298AB72822D643CF07066233F3722AD" 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_B755C8F5A79DF0356E4666233F3712EC_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_9298AB72822D643CF07066233F3722AD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_B755C8F5A79DF0356E4666233F3712EC_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_B755C8F5A79DF0356E4666233F3712EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_9298AB72822D643CF07066233F3722AD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_B755C8F5A79DF0356E4666233F3712EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_ProductionMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_ProductionMember_672B8A5D9356F4F7B3EF66233F3756C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_B755C8F5A79DF0356E4666233F3712EC" xlink:to="loc_qep_ProductionMember_672B8A5D9356F4F7B3EF66233F3756C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_StorageMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_StorageMember_4730175019E653EEEC5A66233F374393" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_B755C8F5A79DF0356E4666233F3712EC" xlink:to="loc_qep_StorageMember_4730175019E653EEEC5A66233F374393" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_DerivativeContractYearAxis" xlink:label="loc_qep_DerivativeContractYearAxis_1E8B6E8CD1B4BCE56A8066233F377D03" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_D8C0B6A4A3072F46E52F66233F361452" xlink:to="loc_qep_DerivativeContractYearAxis_1E8B6E8CD1B4BCE56A8066233F377D03" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_DerivativeContractYearDomain" xlink:label="loc_qep_DerivativeContractYearDomain_F1A046A69D452804A82066233F3798C8_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_qep_DerivativeContractYearAxis_1E8B6E8CD1B4BCE56A8066233F377D03" xlink:to="loc_qep_DerivativeContractYearDomain_F1A046A69D452804A82066233F3798C8_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_DerivativeContractYearDomain" xlink:label="loc_qep_DerivativeContractYearDomain_F1A046A69D452804A82066233F3798C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_qep_DerivativeContractYearAxis_1E8B6E8CD1B4BCE56A8066233F377D03" xlink:to="loc_qep_DerivativeContractYearDomain_F1A046A69D452804A82066233F3798C8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_Year2017Member" xlink:label="loc_qep_Year2017Member_D3DDA9F630961AABD8C466233F3797F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_DerivativeContractYearDomain_F1A046A69D452804A82066233F3798C8" xlink:to="loc_qep_Year2017Member_D3DDA9F630961AABD8C466233F3797F0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_Year2018Member" xlink:label="loc_qep_Year2018Member_2EE9D44FF687DA6A7A5066233F37CED7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_DerivativeContractYearDomain_F1A046A69D452804A82066233F3798C8" xlink:to="loc_qep_Year2018Member_2EE9D44FF687DA6A7A5066233F37CED7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_Year2019Member" xlink:label="loc_qep_Year2019Member_C3B22A38194B08B311EB6650BF491873" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_DerivativeContractYearDomain_F1A046A69D452804A82066233F3798C8" xlink:to="loc_qep_Year2019Member_C3B22A38194B08B311EB6650BF491873" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_EnergyCommoditiesExchangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_qep_EnergyCommoditiesExchangeAxis_3DF03776C5A58BA0361B66233F379D74" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_D8C0B6A4A3072F46E52F66233F361452" xlink:to="loc_qep_EnergyCommoditiesExchangeAxis_3DF03776C5A58BA0361B66233F379D74" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_EnergyCommoditiesExchangeAbbreviationDomain" xlink:label="loc_qep_EnergyCommoditiesExchangeAbbreviationDomain_2CF26A787B490A28EF5066233F378B6D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_qep_EnergyCommoditiesExchangeAxis_3DF03776C5A58BA0361B66233F379D74" xlink:to="loc_qep_EnergyCommoditiesExchangeAbbreviationDomain_2CF26A787B490A28EF5066233F378B6D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_EnergyCommoditiesExchangeAbbreviationDomain" xlink:label="loc_qep_EnergyCommoditiesExchangeAbbreviationDomain_2CF26A787B490A28EF5066233F378B6D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_qep_EnergyCommoditiesExchangeAxis_3DF03776C5A58BA0361B66233F379D74" xlink:to="loc_qep_EnergyCommoditiesExchangeAbbreviationDomain_2CF26A787B490A28EF5066233F378B6D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_NYMEXWTIlessArgusWTIMidlandMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_NYMEXWTIlessArgusWTIMidlandMember_7689EAE3F6758395A45C66233F375DE3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_EnergyCommoditiesExchangeAbbreviationDomain_2CF26A787B490A28EF5066233F378B6D" xlink:to="loc_qep_NYMEXWTIlessArgusWTIMidlandMember_7689EAE3F6758395A45C66233F375DE3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_NYMEXHHMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_NYMEXHHMember_8E527C63BBFF8FB9C13966233F3850F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_EnergyCommoditiesExchangeAbbreviationDomain_2CF26A787B490A28EF5066233F378B6D" xlink:to="loc_qep_NYMEXHHMember_8E527C63BBFF8FB9C13966233F3850F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_IfnpcrMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_IfnpcrMember_71796E98522CB1790FD466233F38C492" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_EnergyCommoditiesExchangeAbbreviationDomain_2CF26A787B490A28EF5066233F378B6D" xlink:to="loc_qep_IfnpcrMember_71796E98522CB1790FD466233F38C492" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_NymexWtiMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_NymexWtiMember_8F94E34EA64EC3C92B2266233F38E4C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_EnergyCommoditiesExchangeAbbreviationDomain_2CF26A787B490A28EF5066233F378B6D" xlink:to="loc_qep_NymexWtiMember_8F94E34EA64EC3C92B2266233F38E4C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_NYMEXHHLESSIFNPCRMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_NYMEXHHLESSIFNPCRMember_FDD21F14D6BBB39EF7E366233F38B462" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_EnergyCommoditiesExchangeAbbreviationDomain_2CF26A787B490A28EF5066233F378B6D" xlink:to="loc_qep_NYMEXHHLESSIFNPCRMember_FDD21F14D6BBB39EF7E366233F38B462" 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_FD8B165251F3ED8CE39866233F38FA2C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_5C23EC96680F8A2CE9DF66233F38028B" xlink:to="loc_invest_DerivativeNonmonetaryNotionalAmount_FD8B165251F3ED8CE39866233F38FA2C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_AverageSwapPriceperUnit" xlink:label="loc_qep_AverageSwapPriceperUnit_2D05F478BBE71099122066233F3808E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_5C23EC96680F8A2CE9DF66233F38028B" xlink:to="loc_qep_AverageSwapPriceperUnit_2D05F478BBE71099122066233F3808E0" 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_915DF6C0BA19E46C00B466233F388781" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_5C23EC96680F8A2CE9DF66233F38028B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingDerivative_915DF6C0BA19E46C00B466233F388781" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_DerivativeAveragePriceFloor" xlink:label="loc_qep_DerivativeAveragePriceFloor_A77BA291A853425A414766233F382728" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_5C23EC96680F8A2CE9DF66233F38028B" xlink:to="loc_qep_DerivativeAveragePriceFloor_A77BA291A853425A414766233F382728" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_DerivativeAveragePriceCeiling" xlink:label="loc_qep_DerivativeAveragePriceCeiling_7C2C1AE0989862074DEE66233F381632" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_5C23EC96680F8A2CE9DF66233F38028B" xlink:to="loc_qep_DerivativeAveragePriceCeiling_7C2C1AE0989862074DEE66233F381632" 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_EFB606C5F5E3079E9B0816F16BE9BEA0" 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_97622A2D286CD92DF22616F16BE8AE19" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_EFB606C5F5E3079E9B0816F16BE9BEA0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_97622A2D286CD92DF22616F16BE8AE19" 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_07C078645605E29ED98516F16BE8AA8E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_97622A2D286CD92DF22616F16BE8AE19" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_07C078645605E29ED98516F16BE8AA8E" 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_382A39A4C13830BF2EFC16F16BE83AF5_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_07C078645605E29ED98516F16BE8AA8E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_382A39A4C13830BF2EFC16F16BE83AF5_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_382A39A4C13830BF2EFC16F16BE83AF5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_07C078645605E29ED98516F16BE8AA8E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_382A39A4C13830BF2EFC16F16BE83AF5" 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_F8AB710859F0530D2ADB16F16BE83620" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_382A39A4C13830BF2EFC16F16BE83AF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_F8AB710859F0530D2ADB16F16BE83620" 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_AF161DE85D4C6517236A16F16BE8B4CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_97622A2D286CD92DF22616F16BE8AE19" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_AF161DE85D4C6517236A16F16BE8B4CB" 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_E5CA0771B65F1E84D3B016F16BE891A8_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_AF161DE85D4C6517236A16F16BE8B4CB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_E5CA0771B65F1E84D3B016F16BE891A8_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_E5CA0771B65F1E84D3B016F16BE891A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_AF161DE85D4C6517236A16F16BE8B4CB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_E5CA0771B65F1E84D3B016F16BE891A8" 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_5C3A9644C024E54038A616F16BE830E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_E5CA0771B65F1E84D3B016F16BE891A8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_5C3A9644C024E54038A616F16BE830E0" 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_DA409E392B1758C5988A16F16BE85FDD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_97622A2D286CD92DF22616F16BE8AE19" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_DA409E392B1758C5988A16F16BE85FDD" 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_635DE9BD3CF5DC6B78E816F16BE8B817_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_DA409E392B1758C5988A16F16BE85FDD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_635DE9BD3CF5DC6B78E816F16BE8B817_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_635DE9BD3CF5DC6B78E816F16BE8B817" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_DA409E392B1758C5988A16F16BE85FDD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_635DE9BD3CF5DC6B78E816F16BE8B817" 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_2486EF3E88629BFBD6FB16F16BE86E89" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_635DE9BD3CF5DC6B78E816F16BE8B817" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommodityContractMember_2486EF3E88629BFBD6FB16F16BE86E89" 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_CB9B7EFBBDE2D43B10F816F16BE80E21" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_97622A2D286CD92DF22616F16BE8AE19" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_CB9B7EFBBDE2D43B10F816F16BE80E21" 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_6E684A331E9B12DF7D7E16F16BE860C7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_CB9B7EFBBDE2D43B10F816F16BE80E21" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_6E684A331E9B12DF7D7E16F16BE860C7_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_6E684A331E9B12DF7D7E16F16BE860C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_CB9B7EFBBDE2D43B10F816F16BE80E21" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_6E684A331E9B12DF7D7E16F16BE860C7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_ShortTermMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_ShortTermMember_3E9F0649F05EB36E489916F16BE90D57" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_6E684A331E9B12DF7D7E16F16BE860C7" xlink:to="loc_qep_ShortTermMember_3E9F0649F05EB36E489916F16BE90D57" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_LongTermMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_LongTermMember_69CEE4746C2D1052A9D616F16BE90D8E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_6E684A331E9B12DF7D7E16F16BE860C7" xlink:to="loc_qep_LongTermMember_69CEE4746C2D1052A9D616F16BE90D8E" 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_B4BE8083250E1237539E16F16BE96E1F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_EFB606C5F5E3079E9B0816F16BE9BEA0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_B4BE8083250E1237539E16F16BE96E1F" 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_0EE2EE6C97FDCD295C4116F16BE944D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_EFB606C5F5E3079E9B0816F16BE9BEA0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_0EE2EE6C97FDCD295C4116F16BE944D8" 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_78C21C9B4E36A01D71E716F16AFEFDE6" 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_0EC2F637F19CCFDCB73316F16AFD8337" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems_78C21C9B4E36A01D71E716F16AFEFDE6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_0EC2F637F19CCFDCB73316F16AFD8337" 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_B0647DFEA1245DCFE86916F16AFD1946" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_0EC2F637F19CCFDCB73316F16AFD8337" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_B0647DFEA1245DCFE86916F16AFD1946" 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_875A08043DA0D9C933D916F16AFD31F4_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_B0647DFEA1245DCFE86916F16AFD1946" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_875A08043DA0D9C933D916F16AFD31F4_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_875A08043DA0D9C933D916F16AFD31F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_B0647DFEA1245DCFE86916F16AFD1946" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_875A08043DA0D9C933D916F16AFD31F4" 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_B0D02490663E0E7F690016F16AFECCD2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems_78C21C9B4E36A01D71E716F16AFEFDE6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsDisclosureTextBlock_B0D02490663E0E7F690016F16AFECCD2" 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_EA025241AD68D1F999B816F16BFE76B5" 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_23109669E19D8ACDC4C516F16BFDA7AF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems_EA025241AD68D1F999B816F16BFE76B5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_23109669E19D8ACDC4C516F16BFDA7AF" 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_A31FE9F4C5981323BF4A16F16BFEFEAA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_23109669E19D8ACDC4C516F16BFDA7AF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis_A31FE9F4C5981323BF4A16F16BFEFEAA" 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_01637C8283D45098933316F16BFE8830_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis_A31FE9F4C5981323BF4A16F16BFEFEAA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_01637C8283D45098933316F16BFE8830_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_01637C8283D45098933316F16BFE8830" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis_A31FE9F4C5981323BF4A16F16BFEFEAA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_01637C8283D45098933316F16BFE8830" 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_84A34335F2494C0F819516F16BFE771A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_23109669E19D8ACDC4C516F16BFDA7AF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_84A34335F2494C0F819516F16BFE771A" 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_189F2FE87135A769A77316F16BFEF9DB_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_84A34335F2494C0F819516F16BFE771A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_189F2FE87135A769A77316F16BFEF9DB_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_189F2FE87135A769A77316F16BFEF9DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_84A34335F2494C0F819516F16BFE771A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_189F2FE87135A769A77316F16BFEF9DB" 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_32F58B1C9F4C865738F516F16BFED040" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_189F2FE87135A769A77316F16BFEF9DB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_32F58B1C9F4C865738F516F16BFED040" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_SERPMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_SERPMember_7B7736ADE09C91BABFEA16F16BFE69E6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_189F2FE87135A769A77316F16BFEF9DB" xlink:to="loc_qep_SERPMember_7B7736ADE09C91BABFEA16F16BFE69E6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_MedicalPlanMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_MedicalPlanMember_66C2ACF0768BA2BB121F16F16BFE8466" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_189F2FE87135A769A77316F16BFEF9DB" xlink:to="loc_qep_MedicalPlanMember_66C2ACF0768BA2BB121F16F16BFE8466" 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_97AD0469E6D70B0EC9F316F16BFEF699" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems_EA025241AD68D1F999B816F16BFE76B5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer_97AD0469E6D70B0EC9F316F16BFEF699" 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_4DC6A0AEB870D9B8379E16F16BFEB647" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems_EA025241AD68D1F999B816F16BFE76B5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansEstimatedFutureEmployerContributionsInCurrentFiscalYear_4DC6A0AEB870D9B8379E16F16BFEB647" 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_3F4C6A438360A55AA9E466233ED61739" 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_68CA2268EF7A13E6500766233ED5F44B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems_3F4C6A438360A55AA9E466233ED61739" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_68CA2268EF7A13E6500766233ED5F44B" 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_C9A00BB9E1793EB7091666233ED5AF08" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_68CA2268EF7A13E6500766233ED5F44B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_C9A00BB9E1793EB7091666233ED5AF08" 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_CE7DE1D48D6FD92C4F8766233ED518C6_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_C9A00BB9E1793EB7091666233ED5AF08" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_CE7DE1D48D6FD92C4F8766233ED518C6_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_CE7DE1D48D6FD92C4F8766233ED518C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_C9A00BB9E1793EB7091666233ED5AF08" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_CE7DE1D48D6FD92C4F8766233ED518C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_PensionPlanandSERPMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_PensionPlanandSERPMember_E163B0E8B60D1D6CE66D66233ED636F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_CE7DE1D48D6FD92C4F8766233ED518C6" xlink:to="loc_qep_PensionPlanandSERPMember_E163B0E8B60D1D6CE66D66233ED636F8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_MedicalPlanMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_MedicalPlanMember_FD59986A78000A8A0A6866233ED63633" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_CE7DE1D48D6FD92C4F8766233ED518C6" xlink:to="loc_qep_MedicalPlanMember_FD59986A78000A8A0A6866233ED63633" 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_1B8D752E6EEAEC72820C66233ED6CE48" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems_3F4C6A438360A55AA9E466233ED61739" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost_1B8D752E6EEAEC72820C66233ED6CE48" 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_9EAC49D5944B7B2DE72E66233ED67BC7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems_3F4C6A438360A55AA9E466233ED61739" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost_9EAC49D5944B7B2DE72E66233ED67BC7" 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_436010A0A417F979AC8C66233ED6BFAD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems_3F4C6A438360A55AA9E466233ED61739" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets_436010A0A417F979AC8C66233ED6BFAD" 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_ACF87348A6A405AC9E4866233ED6852A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems_3F4C6A438360A55AA9E466233ED61739" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit_ACF87348A6A405AC9E4866233ED6852A" 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_FA45F36D93A99A75C12D66233ED6F8BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems_3F4C6A438360A55AA9E466233ED61739" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses_FA45F36D93A99A75C12D66233ED6F8BB" 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_9473ACC3ABE8DFB8B8EE66233ED62A3D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems_3F4C6A438360A55AA9E466233ED61739" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost_9473ACC3ABE8DFB8B8EE66233ED62A3D" 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_89C18EC3F251A104B5327B56BCDE7346" 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_D7A4BF54D5AF52D889CE7B56BCDE0E6C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_89C18EC3F251A104B5327B56BCDE7346" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_D7A4BF54D5AF52D889CE7B56BCDE0E6C" 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_39C97648E055477B60E07B56BCDE1893" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_D7A4BF54D5AF52D889CE7B56BCDE0E6C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_39C97648E055477B60E07B56BCDE1893" 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_D82A83260823D8983D6B7B5C76F2EFBC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_39C97648E055477B60E07B56BCDE1893" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_D82A83260823D8983D6B7B5C76F2EFBC" 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_890A7E08412C98230A877B56BCDE0A7C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_D82A83260823D8983D6B7B5C76F2EFBC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember_890A7E08412C98230A877B56BCDE0A7C" 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_827B76FE1883796DFB9E7B56BCDE72F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_D82A83260823D8983D6B7B5C76F2EFBC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_827B76FE1883796DFB9E7B56BCDE72F8" 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_69FCC0320946B432651C7B56BCDEB489" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_89C18EC3F251A104B5327B56BCDE7346" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_69FCC0320946B432651C7B56BCDEB489" 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_59229C19012B758596757B56BCDE10AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_89C18EC3F251A104B5327B56BCDE7346" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_59229C19012B758596757B56BCDE10AE" 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_26174EB385639AFA6C2C7B56BCDEE020" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_89C18EC3F251A104B5327B56BCDE7346" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BankOverdrafts_26174EB385639AFA6C2C7B56BCDEE020" 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_0CAA7C62DC6A2F9D97777B56BCDEF3FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_89C18EC3F251A104B5327B56BCDE7346" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_0CAA7C62DC6A2F9D97777B56BCDEF3FF" 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_48C733A0A319FA98A4E47B56BCDEE16A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_89C18EC3F251A104B5327B56BCDE7346" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue_48C733A0A319FA98A4E47B56BCDEE16A" 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_A8522FBBF91C230E3DED65BF16975E01" 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_2BBA7A64B6A8D8BF8EF765BF1696C35B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_A8522FBBF91C230E3DED65BF16975E01" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_2BBA7A64B6A8D8BF8EF765BF1696C35B" 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_24A1912342855B0D82A465BF16966668" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_2BBA7A64B6A8D8BF8EF765BF1696C35B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AverageSalesPriceAndProductionCostsPerUnitOfProductionProductionTypeAxis_24A1912342855B0D82A465BF16966668" 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_C2C7C702E61052C6046C65BF1696A194_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AverageSalesPriceAndProductionCostsPerUnitOfProductionProductionTypeAxis_24A1912342855B0D82A465BF16966668" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductionTypeDomain_C2C7C702E61052C6046C65BF1696A194_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_C2C7C702E61052C6046C65BF1696A194" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AverageSalesPriceAndProductionCostsPerUnitOfProductionProductionTypeAxis_24A1912342855B0D82A465BF16966668" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductionTypeDomain_C2C7C702E61052C6046C65BF1696A194" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_ProvedPropertyMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_ProvedPropertyMember_84F2E34B05703EBD9F1665BF16960586" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductionTypeDomain_C2C7C702E61052C6046C65BF1696A194" xlink:to="loc_qep_ProvedPropertyMember_84F2E34B05703EBD9F1665BF16960586" 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_43CBEBF104A4FCACD21165BF169662BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_2BBA7A64B6A8D8BF8EF765BF1696C35B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_43CBEBF104A4FCACD21165BF169662BA" 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_D10DB1545674A0217EE065BF1696CE72_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_43CBEBF104A4FCACD21165BF169662BA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_D10DB1545674A0217EE065BF1696CE72_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_D10DB1545674A0217EE065BF1696CE72" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_43CBEBF104A4FCACD21165BF169662BA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_D10DB1545674A0217EE065BF1696CE72" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_LongTermMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_LongTermMember_75DA79E38AD30333D61D65BF1696BB8A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_D10DB1545674A0217EE065BF1696CE72" xlink:to="loc_qep_LongTermMember_75DA79E38AD30333D61D65BF1696BB8A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_ShortTermMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_ShortTermMember_747EE1CE93AA8AE8B15465BF169620DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_D10DB1545674A0217EE065BF1696CE72" xlink:to="loc_qep_ShortTermMember_747EE1CE93AA8AE8B15465BF169620DB" 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_5B295F94DC66EFB6CD1965BF16968C27" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_2BBA7A64B6A8D8BF8EF765BF1696C35B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_5B295F94DC66EFB6CD1965BF16968C27" 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_BB9102D3755D53472EC465BF1696838F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_5B295F94DC66EFB6CD1965BF16968C27" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_BB9102D3755D53472EC465BF1696838F_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_BB9102D3755D53472EC465BF1696838F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_5B295F94DC66EFB6CD1965BF16968C27" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_BB9102D3755D53472EC465BF1696838F" 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_35ADEE88ED2816364B1E65BF1696EBFB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_BB9102D3755D53472EC465BF1696838F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_35ADEE88ED2816364B1E65BF1696EBFB" 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_301B4F05531B609040E465BF16976031" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_BB9102D3755D53472EC465BF1696838F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_301B4F05531B609040E465BF16976031" 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_BE410B5F71EFE317AF9365BF1697EFB6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_BB9102D3755D53472EC465BF1696838F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_BE410B5F71EFE317AF9365BF1697EFB6" 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_5121574470E5A3BEDA8965BF169777C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_A8522FBBF91C230E3DED65BF16975E01" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties_5121574470E5A3BEDA8965BF169777C8" 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_C9F7E5866A298759B1D865BF1697A63F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_A8522FBBF91C230E3DED65BF16975E01" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsAbstract_C9F7E5866A298759B1D865BF1697A63F" 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_46AE75D78B59E39E36C565BF1697957C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsAbstract_C9F7E5866A298759B1D865BF1697A63F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_46AE75D78B59E39E36C565BF1697957C" 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_584D9F9FBDE4308442C365BF1697ECDE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsAbstract_C9F7E5866A298759B1D865BF1697A63F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets_584D9F9FBDE4308442C365BF1697ECDE" 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_0780B13C1E1D62D6C8BE65BF16971146" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsAbstract_C9F7E5866A298759B1D865BF1697A63F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAssetAmountOffsetAgainstCollateral_0780B13C1E1D62D6C8BE65BF16971146" 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_57B8BAB3AA5F81F0E99365BF1697A4E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_A8522FBBF91C230E3DED65BF16975E01" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_57B8BAB3AA5F81F0E99365BF1697A4E4" 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_9A9388B4F90CF7762BF365BF16971351" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_A8522FBBF91C230E3DED65BF16975E01" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesAbstract_9A9388B4F90CF7762BF365BF16971351" 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_3943F367F453442251C765BF1697DC4F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesAbstract_9A9388B4F90CF7762BF365BF16971351" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_3943F367F453442251C765BF1697DC4F" 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_27DAB0EBA3652D41379F16F16C29741B" 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_00747F4C8B955DB787BF16F16C290AE0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_27DAB0EBA3652D41379F16F16C29741B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_00747F4C8B955DB787BF16F16C290AE0" 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_81C1437B41631247FFEE16F16C29FCA5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_00747F4C8B955DB787BF16F16C290AE0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_81C1437B41631247FFEE16F16C29FCA5" 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_744B0D527222D696937316F16C29A53F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_81C1437B41631247FFEE16F16C29FCA5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_744B0D527222D696937316F16C29A53F_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_744B0D527222D696937316F16C29A53F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_81C1437B41631247FFEE16F16C29FCA5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_744B0D527222D696937316F16C29A53F" 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_BAB615BCA102025F207116F16C29D12D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_00747F4C8B955DB787BF16F16C290AE0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_BAB615BCA102025F207116F16C29D12D" 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_8722102D25D4B34B640516F16C29CA5D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_BAB615BCA102025F207116F16C29D12D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_8722102D25D4B34B640516F16C29CA5D_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_8722102D25D4B34B640516F16C29CA5D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_BAB615BCA102025F207116F16C29D12D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_8722102D25D4B34B640516F16C29CA5D" 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_58F9AE873F584C5A392916F16C2253CC" 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_1AB8B822E4C24DAE37A016F16C225F6D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_58F9AE873F584C5A392916F16C2253CC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_1AB8B822E4C24DAE37A016F16C225F6D" 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_B70C9503B92B890422F616F16C22133E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_1AB8B822E4C24DAE37A016F16C225F6D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_B70C9503B92B890422F616F16C22133E" 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_400285B177B9BD9C365316F16C225AC6_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_B70C9503B92B890422F616F16C22133E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_400285B177B9BD9C365316F16C225AC6_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_400285B177B9BD9C365316F16C225AC6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_B70C9503B92B890422F616F16C22133E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_400285B177B9BD9C365316F16C225AC6" 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_CFB20DCA76D00290644916F16C22A9A4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_1AB8B822E4C24DAE37A016F16C225F6D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_CFB20DCA76D00290644916F16C22A9A4" 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_3A6E1057E5C7C93CCDFE16F16C223BC7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_CFB20DCA76D00290644916F16C22A9A4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_3A6E1057E5C7C93CCDFE16F16C223BC7_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_3A6E1057E5C7C93CCDFE16F16C223BC7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_CFB20DCA76D00290644916F16C22A9A4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_3A6E1057E5C7C93CCDFE16F16C223BC7" 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/ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationFairValueOfOptionsGrantedAndMajorAssumptionsUsedDetails" 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_88359FFB128D9B8CAF3616F16A9FB278" 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_EF74AF8AEDCCCDD7BF4016F16A9301D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_88359FFB128D9B8CAF3616F16A9FB278" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_EF74AF8AEDCCCDD7BF4016F16A9301D8" 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_PlanNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_E03D8C3E56ADCA1F3CBD16F16A9345E3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_EF74AF8AEDCCCDD7BF4016F16A9301D8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_E03D8C3E56ADCA1F3CBD16F16A9345E3" 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_FAEA237C730C5DB28CAD16F16A93ABB8_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_E03D8C3E56ADCA1F3CBD16F16A9345E3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_FAEA237C730C5DB28CAD16F16A93ABB8_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_FAEA237C730C5DB28CAD16F16A93ABB8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_E03D8C3E56ADCA1F3CBD16F16A9345E3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_FAEA237C730C5DB28CAD16F16A93ABB8" 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_3B2392574EB29A1A849716F16A937BAD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_EF74AF8AEDCCCDD7BF4016F16A9301D8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_3B2392574EB29A1A849716F16A937BAD" 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_5567EEF9D86E35F3A38216F16A93587A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_3B2392574EB29A1A849716F16A937BAD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_5567EEF9D86E35F3A38216F16A93587A_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_5567EEF9D86E35F3A38216F16A93587A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_3B2392574EB29A1A849716F16A937BAD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_5567EEF9D86E35F3A38216F16A93587A" 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_C0CEBDA98D400986C3F216F16A9322BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_5567EEF9D86E35F3A38216F16A93587A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_C0CEBDA98D400986C3F216F16A9322BD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_6D8F98E53F6F98A7B5C016F16AA02757" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_88359FFB128D9B8CAF3616F16A9FB278" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_6D8F98E53F6F98A7B5C016F16AA02757" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate_646FDC19D53628005D5016F16AA0FFF6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_88359FFB128D9B8CAF3616F16A9FB278" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate_646FDC19D53628005D5016F16AA0FFF6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsWeightedAverageVolatilityRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsWeightedAverageVolatilityRate_61E7DC08FCA2263F7CA316F16AA05D42" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_88359FFB128D9B8CAF3616F16A9FB278" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsWeightedAverageVolatilityRate_61E7DC08FCA2263F7CA316F16AA05D42" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate_B9D232E68E857DB9B9A416F16AA0C874" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_88359FFB128D9B8CAF3616F16A9FB278" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate_B9D232E68E857DB9B9A416F16AA0C874" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1_A15D07A5F23CAA37373216F16AA0D7FB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_88359FFB128D9B8CAF3616F16A9FB278" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1_A15D07A5F23CAA37373216F16AA0D7FB" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <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_7F7AF8C02469BE383B2166233F06BCCF" 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_6B8BB4D2C53A45CC477066233F06953C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_7F7AF8C02469BE383B2166233F06BCCF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_6B8BB4D2C53A45CC477066233F06953C" 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_D0D7DDE4D06EBF81EE4466233F06822D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_6B8BB4D2C53A45CC477066233F06953C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis_D0D7DDE4D06EBF81EE4466233F06822D" 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_AEE10D0FADEF1F66747866233F06A434_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis_D0D7DDE4D06EBF81EE4466233F06822D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_AEE10D0FADEF1F66747866233F06A434_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_AEE10D0FADEF1F66747866233F06A434" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis_D0D7DDE4D06EBF81EE4466233F06822D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_AEE10D0FADEF1F66747866233F06A434" 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_21D5AE6783884FDC02F366233F06FB3F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_6B8BB4D2C53A45CC477066233F06953C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_21D5AE6783884FDC02F366233F06FB3F" 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_A144A7D31DFC5866854166233F064D17_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_21D5AE6783884FDC02F366233F06FB3F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_A144A7D31DFC5866854166233F064D17_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_A144A7D31DFC5866854166233F064D17" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_21D5AE6783884FDC02F366233F06FB3F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_A144A7D31DFC5866854166233F064D17" 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_6433D5F9F77DC4AC800F66233F0682A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_A144A7D31DFC5866854166233F064D17" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_6433D5F9F77DC4AC800F66233F0682A5" 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_7058DCDCCCB7EB11230A66233F0622D2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_A144A7D31DFC5866854166233F064D17" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_7058DCDCCCB7EB11230A66233F0622D2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_PerformanceShareUnitsMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_PerformanceShareUnitsMember_B8340C9B9F3C788AE9C766233F067F2F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_A144A7D31DFC5866854166233F064D17" xlink:to="loc_qep_PerformanceShareUnitsMember_B8340C9B9F3C788AE9C766233F067F2F" 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_CB964F7C3C7CC78A4E3166233F067530" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_A144A7D31DFC5866854166233F064D17" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_CB964F7C3C7CC78A4E3166233F067530" 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_AB891A92F0D65CA64DD266233F068EC5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_7F7AF8C02469BE383B2166233F06BCCF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant_AB891A92F0D65CA64DD266233F068EC5" 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_A8C892FE614793E56D1D66233F06DFAF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_7F7AF8C02469BE383B2166233F06BCCF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_A8C892FE614793E56D1D66233F06DFAF" 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_F829CFDE9A9805EF6BD966233F060616" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_7F7AF8C02469BE383B2166233F06BCCF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized_F829CFDE9A9805EF6BD966233F060616" 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_F660F9F725825514A6DF66233F061D71" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_7F7AF8C02469BE383B2166233F06BCCF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_F660F9F725825514A6DF66233F061D71" 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_21823AC2E97FCE0D2EBA66233F064C99" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_7F7AF8C02469BE383B2166233F06BCCF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1_21823AC2E97FCE0D2EBA66233F064C99" 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_0B1BFFD2165A1F1B6F5B66233F07531C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_7F7AF8C02469BE383B2166233F06BCCF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue_0B1BFFD2165A1F1B6F5B66233F07531C" 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_BA260BC808D2593C69C316F16A612DF8" 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_554F40A18C6BE62FFFC216F16A61E563" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_BA260BC808D2593C69C316F16A612DF8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_554F40A18C6BE62FFFC216F16A61E563" 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_76B37557A3EF4BE1B8BA16F16A6173FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_554F40A18C6BE62FFFC216F16A61E563" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_76B37557A3EF4BE1B8BA16F16A6173FC" 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_D55B0B6BDA8BFF9E5EC516F16A61E1EE_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_76B37557A3EF4BE1B8BA16F16A6173FC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_D55B0B6BDA8BFF9E5EC516F16A61E1EE_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_D55B0B6BDA8BFF9E5EC516F16A61E1EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_76B37557A3EF4BE1B8BA16F16A6173FC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_D55B0B6BDA8BFF9E5EC516F16A61E1EE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_PerformanceShareUnitsMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_PerformanceShareUnitsMember_643EBA66EC9DCD40F94D16F16A618B95" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_D55B0B6BDA8BFF9E5EC516F16A61E1EE" xlink:to="loc_qep_PerformanceShareUnitsMember_643EBA66EC9DCD40F94D16F16A618B95" 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_3C9714BF2D70857A888716F16A61D62B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_BA260BC808D2593C69C316F16A612DF8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_3C9714BF2D70857A888716F16A61D62B" 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_3629C0EB9C900249096A16F16A61D112" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_3C9714BF2D70857A888716F16A61D62B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_3629C0EB9C900249096A16F16A61D112" 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_5654ED181213AFA83AFD16F16A61C772" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_3C9714BF2D70857A888716F16A61D62B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_5654ED181213AFA83AFD16F16A61C772" 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_E0DBD3493EA849205BA816F16A612229" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_3C9714BF2D70857A888716F16A61D62B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_E0DBD3493EA849205BA816F16A612229" 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_99F928C97F7DEA2A91FF16F16A61ED2B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_3C9714BF2D70857A888716F16A61D62B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_99F928C97F7DEA2A91FF16F16A61ED2B" 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_3D61DA81EF565C7E05A816F16A61AB59" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_BA260BC808D2593C69C316F16A612DF8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_3D61DA81EF565C7E05A816F16A61AB59" 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_7CBBDF9365A92B23BF8E16F16A616302" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_3D61DA81EF565C7E05A816F16A61AB59" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_7CBBDF9365A92B23BF8E16F16A616302" 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_7F5259E4A6DDEB81896C16F16A613EB4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_3D61DA81EF565C7E05A816F16A61AB59" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_7F5259E4A6DDEB81896C16F16A613EB4" 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_392F4B13F5A3DCD3CF8C16F16A62F748" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_3D61DA81EF565C7E05A816F16A61AB59" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_392F4B13F5A3DCD3CF8C16F16A62F748" 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_F41F4C91D06B553F5DCD16F16A623307" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_3D61DA81EF565C7E05A816F16A61AB59" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_F41F4C91D06B553F5DCD16F16A623307" 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_2931B6EEFC7963A3B8E416F16AC24935" 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_EDAEAC3FDEE802971C5F16F16AC2ECC1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_2931B6EEFC7963A3B8E416F16AC24935" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_EDAEAC3FDEE802971C5F16F16AC2ECC1" 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_99BBCF6CF761DB49D61F16F16AC2E57F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_EDAEAC3FDEE802971C5F16F16AC2ECC1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_99BBCF6CF761DB49D61F16F16AC2E57F" 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_840E2836968F9492D98516F16AC2B661_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_99BBCF6CF761DB49D61F16F16AC2E57F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_840E2836968F9492D98516F16AC2B661_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_840E2836968F9492D98516F16AC2B661" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_99BBCF6CF761DB49D61F16F16AC2E57F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_840E2836968F9492D98516F16AC2B661" 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_18680D66CF348322903F16F16AC2F0D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_840E2836968F9492D98516F16AC2B661" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_18680D66CF348322903F16F16AC2F0D8" 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_622C58C8BB5B7600606416F16AC24CA6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_2931B6EEFC7963A3B8E416F16AC24935" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_622C58C8BB5B7600606416F16AC24CA6" 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_264C3942BB7E23CD543D16F16AC25A74" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_622C58C8BB5B7600606416F16AC24CA6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_264C3942BB7E23CD543D16F16AC25A74" 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_95D055BB62CFDB41277616F16AC20A0F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_622C58C8BB5B7600606416F16AC24CA6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_95D055BB62CFDB41277616F16AC20A0F" 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_27A30F166684F164B2F816F16AC20FB2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_622C58C8BB5B7600606416F16AC24CA6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_27A30F166684F164B2F816F16AC20FB2" 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_6607B131840C1D7A8EC116F16AC38FB8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_622C58C8BB5B7600606416F16AC24CA6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_6607B131840C1D7A8EC116F16AC38FB8" 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_AE48B8A56F4A1B6C1B8F16F16AC3C51B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_2931B6EEFC7963A3B8E416F16AC24935" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_AE48B8A56F4A1B6C1B8F16F16AC3C51B" 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_A4AD83B3211D551FC06716F16AC3E411" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_AE48B8A56F4A1B6C1B8F16F16AC3C51B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_A4AD83B3211D551FC06716F16AC3E411" 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_63EB544093AAEF56DE2216F16AC303DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_AE48B8A56F4A1B6C1B8F16F16AC3C51B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_63EB544093AAEF56DE2216F16AC303DC" 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_D6147EC6342F76C4E3F016F16AC3F6D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_AE48B8A56F4A1B6C1B8F16F16AC3C51B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_D6147EC6342F76C4E3F016F16AC3F6D1" 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_2AD70D8128B0D870DB5316F16AC33C98" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_AE48B8A56F4A1B6C1B8F16F16AC3C51B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_2AD70D8128B0D870DB5316F16AC33C98" 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_E60F6C6B7BE35D90437016F16AD540E4" 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_FD586E5001AE30D2386916F16AD4B428" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_E60F6C6B7BE35D90437016F16AD540E4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_FD586E5001AE30D2386916F16AD4B428" 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_65C4C243C98D9EE6434916F16AD47D3F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_FD586E5001AE30D2386916F16AD4B428" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_65C4C243C98D9EE6434916F16AD47D3F" 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_91877CAAC0399501893316F16AD4D750_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_65C4C243C98D9EE6434916F16AD47D3F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_91877CAAC0399501893316F16AD4D750_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_91877CAAC0399501893316F16AD4D750" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_65C4C243C98D9EE6434916F16AD47D3F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_91877CAAC0399501893316F16AD4D750" 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_FF12F4BBC5F6D103450716F16AD41240" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_91877CAAC0399501893316F16AD4D750" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_FF12F4BBC5F6D103450716F16AD41240" 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_8D82B05FDC39EE18064E16F16AD51FA7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_E60F6C6B7BE35D90437016F16AD540E4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_8D82B05FDC39EE18064E16F16AD51FA7" 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_6BDBF7C3439B00178F7716F16AD5D5C5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_E60F6C6B7BE35D90437016F16AD540E4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_6BDBF7C3439B00178F7716F16AD5D5C5" 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_7F690A72A472499E0D7016F16AD56E67" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_E60F6C6B7BE35D90437016F16AD540E4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_7F690A72A472499E0D7016F16AD56E67" 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_C4DEC42886C675184D6516F16AD5B73A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_E60F6C6B7BE35D90437016F16AD540E4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_C4DEC42886C675184D6516F16AD5B73A" 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_8A97406FB3A324AA117C16F16AD5FF84" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_E60F6C6B7BE35D90437016F16AD540E4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_8A97406FB3A324AA117C16F16AD5FF84" 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_8D9841B39FAD9188AD1D16F16AD5B3A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_E60F6C6B7BE35D90437016F16AD540E4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_8D9841B39FAD9188AD1D16F16AD5B3A6" 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_D6F2AE95857DA9F2EF0F16F16AD56935" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_E60F6C6B7BE35D90437016F16AD540E4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_D6F2AE95857DA9F2EF0F16F16AD56935" 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_C64E2926B04A6F51BE5716F16AD5C1D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_E60F6C6B7BE35D90437016F16AD540E4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_C64E2926B04A6F51BE5716F16AD5C1D5" 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_CA2838F2503FF3ED1AA016F16B4537EF" 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_261C3B43E8318CEA307A16F16B4537A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_CA2838F2503FF3ED1AA016F16B4537EF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_261C3B43E8318CEA307A16F16B4537A7" 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_74B0656F89693621689116F16B450B41" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_261C3B43E8318CEA307A16F16B4537A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_74B0656F89693621689116F16B450B41" 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_5263E250B9656B0A011D16F16B45D768_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_74B0656F89693621689116F16B450B41" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_5263E250B9656B0A011D16F16B45D768_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_5263E250B9656B0A011D16F16B45D768" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_74B0656F89693621689116F16B450B41" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_5263E250B9656B0A011D16F16B45D768" 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_5FE3CD4862C73E12CF4E16F16B45E98E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_5263E250B9656B0A011D16F16B45D768" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_5FE3CD4862C73E12CF4E16F16B45E98E" 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_926809652A2341E1555616F16B45DFE7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_261C3B43E8318CEA307A16F16B4537A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_926809652A2341E1555616F16B45DFE7" 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_6DF2F7ABF2312130686116F16B459FAA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_926809652A2341E1555616F16B45DFE7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_6DF2F7ABF2312130686116F16B459FAA_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_6DF2F7ABF2312130686116F16B459FAA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_926809652A2341E1555616F16B45DFE7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_6DF2F7ABF2312130686116F16B459FAA" 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_E2D1121067918DE3154A16F16B45D0D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_CA2838F2503FF3ED1AA016F16B4537EF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_E2D1121067918DE3154A16F16B45D0D5" 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_DA5F77AD66EA7D8F812D16F16B466208" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_E2D1121067918DE3154A16F16B45D0D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_DA5F77AD66EA7D8F812D16F16B466208" 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_5AA26F1C9770981A8E8316F16B4637AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_E2D1121067918DE3154A16F16B45D0D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross_5AA26F1C9770981A8E8316F16B4637AC" 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_6BEA62C3BFD39CD059D016F16B46D8C3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_E2D1121067918DE3154A16F16B45D0D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOtherIncreasesDecreasesInPeriod_6BEA62C3BFD39CD059D016F16B46D8C3" 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_D6BA3907410DD19061DC16F16B46880F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_E2D1121067918DE3154A16F16B45D0D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber_D6BA3907410DD19061DC16F16B46880F" 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_1CBB7291EA84B806CE9816F16B46735B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_E2D1121067918DE3154A16F16B45D0D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedNumberOfShares_1CBB7291EA84B806CE9816F16B46735B" 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_03E0B1AF6D66D22CD5C916F16B46FB69" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_CA2838F2503FF3ED1AA016F16B4537EF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_03E0B1AF6D66D22CD5C916F16B46FB69" 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_74CDB58C1DFA9B99AF6616F16B4695E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_03E0B1AF6D66D22CD5C916F16B46FB69" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_74CDB58C1DFA9B99AF6616F16B4695E7" 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_419492064EB0C817B0C416F16B46A883" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_03E0B1AF6D66D22CD5C916F16B46FB69" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_419492064EB0C817B0C416F16B46A883" 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_39F60803E446E0E5448F16F16B46E477" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_03E0B1AF6D66D22CD5C916F16B46FB69" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOtherShareIncreaseDecreaseInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_39F60803E446E0E5448F16F16B46E477" 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_B9AB7143605C03B4107516F16B46B312" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_03E0B1AF6D66D22CD5C916F16B46FB69" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice_B9AB7143605C03B4107516F16B46B312" 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_18BFD8DA08D268ED255816F16B466384" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_03E0B1AF6D66D22CD5C916F16B46FB69" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_18BFD8DA08D268ED255816F16B466384" 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_A8CA4BFD48DCD502235916F16B460F20" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_03E0B1AF6D66D22CD5C916F16B46FB69" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2_A8CA4BFD48DCD502235916F16B460F20" 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_00BF1EA611295A79006A16F16B46E814" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_03E0B1AF6D66D22CD5C916F16B46FB69" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1_00BF1EA611295A79006A16F16B46E814" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsUnvestedWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm" xlink:label="loc_qep_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsUnvestedWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm_CD45130FB16A333BD01C16F16B461631" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_03E0B1AF6D66D22CD5C916F16B46FB69" xlink:to="loc_qep_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsUnvestedWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm_CD45130FB16A333BD01C16F16B461631" 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_D29AD92F1572757A0A8116F16B464FC7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_03E0B1AF6D66D22CD5C916F16B46FB69" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue_D29AD92F1572757A0A8116F16B464FC7" 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_1B98E79B426A2E21797216F16B47E56F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_03E0B1AF6D66D22CD5C916F16B46FB69" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1_1B98E79B426A2E21797216F16B47E56F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsUnvestedIntrinsicValue1" xlink:label="loc_qep_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsUnvestedIntrinsicValue1_3DB7D13E9DC897A167B416F16B474E0C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_03E0B1AF6D66D22CD5C916F16B46FB69" xlink:to="loc_qep_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsUnvestedIntrinsicValue1_3DB7D13E9DC897A167B416F16B474E0C" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationShareBasedCompensationExpenseDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_SharebasedCompensationExpenseLineItems" xlink:label="loc_qep_SharebasedCompensationExpenseLineItems_557E0AC0331E25237F4E16F16C253A06" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_SharebasedCompensationExpenseTable" xlink:label="loc_qep_SharebasedCompensationExpenseTable_8EFD56BDC3AAAB2D76AB16F16C256EB6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_qep_SharebasedCompensationExpenseLineItems_557E0AC0331E25237F4E16F16C253A06" xlink:to="loc_qep_SharebasedCompensationExpenseTable_8EFD56BDC3AAAB2D76AB16F16C256EB6" 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_208F9BB1EDB6F2EA6FDC16F16C2596C5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_qep_SharebasedCompensationExpenseTable_8EFD56BDC3AAAB2D76AB16F16C256EB6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_208F9BB1EDB6F2EA6FDC16F16C2596C5" 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_194534BB61CC51D0C72A16F16C254ED1_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_208F9BB1EDB6F2EA6FDC16F16C2596C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_194534BB61CC51D0C72A16F16C254ED1_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_194534BB61CC51D0C72A16F16C254ED1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_208F9BB1EDB6F2EA6FDC16F16C2596C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_194534BB61CC51D0C72A16F16C254ED1" 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_CBF892A9B53F3A0DD2A316F16C2536CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_194534BB61CC51D0C72A16F16C254ED1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_CBF892A9B53F3A0DD2A316F16C2536CF" 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_E31FA201ACA965F1FC3716F16C25C539" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_194534BB61CC51D0C72A16F16C254ED1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_E31FA201ACA965F1FC3716F16C25C539" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_PerformanceShareUnitsMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_PerformanceShareUnitsMember_C648A4653950537CA16E16F16C256309" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_194534BB61CC51D0C72A16F16C254ED1" xlink:to="loc_qep_PerformanceShareUnitsMember_C648A4653950537CA16E16F16C256309" 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_77D3FEA8DD3D3DBC387216F16C25920B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_194534BB61CC51D0C72A16F16C254ED1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_77D3FEA8DD3D3DBC387216F16C25920B" 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_87A44C21DF7FD1E182FC16F16C259B60" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_SharebasedCompensationExpenseLineItems_557E0AC0331E25237F4E16F16C253A06" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardCompensationCost1_87A44C21DF7FD1E182FC16F16C259B60" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/SubsequentEventDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_87EDDD84DA0611E1D7717B45B88E93A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_D57214D4EBCD7AED78B07B45B888BF3A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_87EDDD84DA0611E1D7717B45B88E93A6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_D57214D4EBCD7AED78B07B45B888BF3A" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_BusinessDivestitureAxis" xlink:label="loc_qep_BusinessDivestitureAxis_08DEBADFB8045E2A19997B48D11F74F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_D57214D4EBCD7AED78B07B45B888BF3A" xlink:to="loc_qep_BusinessDivestitureAxis_08DEBADFB8045E2A19997B48D11F74F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_BusinessDivestitureDomain" xlink:label="loc_qep_BusinessDivestitureDomain_68C32F6F8B510A8E24567B58A33D3490_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_qep_BusinessDivestitureAxis_08DEBADFB8045E2A19997B48D11F74F5" xlink:to="loc_qep_BusinessDivestitureDomain_68C32F6F8B510A8E24567B58A33D3490_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_BusinessDivestitureDomain" xlink:label="loc_qep_BusinessDivestitureDomain_68C32F6F8B510A8E24567B58A33D3490" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_qep_BusinessDivestitureAxis_08DEBADFB8045E2A19997B48D11F74F5" xlink:to="loc_qep_BusinessDivestitureDomain_68C32F6F8B510A8E24567B58A33D3490" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_PinedaleMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_PinedaleMember_F8382FB9FF5DE624B8D97B48EB352FFE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_BusinessDivestitureDomain_68C32F6F8B510A8E24567B58A33D3490" xlink:to="loc_qep_PinedaleMember_F8382FB9FF5DE624B8D97B48EB352FFE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <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_E476DF75D2253CB07EAF7B47EFB536A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_D57214D4EBCD7AED78B07B45B888BF3A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_E476DF75D2253CB07EAF7B47EFB536A9" 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_50A8C4B98962EF72C3477B47F0A35842_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_E476DF75D2253CB07EAF7B47EFB536A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_50A8C4B98962EF72C3477B47F0A35842_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_50A8C4B98962EF72C3477B47F0A35842" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_E476DF75D2253CB07EAF7B47EFB536A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_50A8C4B98962EF72C3477B47F0A35842" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_A2017PermianBasinAcquisitionMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_A2017PermianBasinAcquisitionMember_C9842F0EEA5EAAF87EFC7B47EFC84038" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_50A8C4B98962EF72C3477B47F0A35842" xlink:to="loc_qep_A2017PermianBasinAcquisitionMember_C9842F0EEA5EAAF87EFC7B47EFC84038" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="qep-20170630.xsd#qep_PermianBasinMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_PermianBasinMember_FFA2E8EB404B45ED06377B48220BD569" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_50A8C4B98962EF72C3477B47F0A35842" xlink:to="loc_qep_PermianBasinMember_FFA2E8EB404B45ED06377B48220BD569" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_33A2859E2599C4083B3A7B45B88887F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_D57214D4EBCD7AED78B07B45B888BF3A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_33A2859E2599C4083B3A7B45B88887F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_4332FD0D47CD0C91A8A57B45B88EA4F3_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_33A2859E2599C4083B3A7B45B88887F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_4332FD0D47CD0C91A8A57B45B88EA4F3_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_4332FD0D47CD0C91A8A57B45B88EA4F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_33A2859E2599C4083B3A7B45B88887F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_4332FD0D47CD0C91A8A57B45B88EA4F3" 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_3929F675FF4C577B22237B4B1B65CCAE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_87EDDD84DA0611E1D7717B45B88E93A6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfOilAndGasPropertyAndEquipment_3929F675FF4C577B22237B4B1B65CCAE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeductionsCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeductionsCharges_0D8226C7F0A35CC8C4797B4AEAF8B83D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_87EDDD84DA0611E1D7717B45B88E93A6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeductionsCharges_0D8226C7F0A35CC8C4797B4AEAF8B83D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueNetAssetLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetAssetLiability_7F647C0F0DF3A14E428A7B47804D44B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_87EDDD84DA0611E1D7717B45B88E93A6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetAssetLiability_7F647C0F0DF3A14E428A7B47804D44B2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_D8C7F80B5274783089067B47EF99D2D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_87EDDD84DA0611E1D7717B45B88E93A6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_D8C7F80B5274783089067B47EF99D2D5" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/SubsequentEventNotes" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_BB91DFD9214DD92B2B617B45C0DE043A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_0986186ABE92BBEA2C417B45C0DE8BD7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_BB91DFD9214DD92B2B617B45C0DE043A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_0986186ABE92BBEA2C417B45C0DE8BD7" 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_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_8A49AD19D42C35AD74577B45C0DE65D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_0986186ABE92BBEA2C417B45C0DE8BD7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_8A49AD19D42C35AD74577B45C0DE65D9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_3304253918FAD596A3927B45C0DEDDE5_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_8A49AD19D42C35AD74577B45C0DE65D9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_3304253918FAD596A3927B45C0DEDDE5_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_3304253918FAD596A3927B45C0DEDDE5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_8A49AD19D42C35AD74577B45C0DE65D9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_3304253918FAD596A3927B45C0DEDDE5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventsTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventsTextBlock_9BD9F1737ABBE960A2A37B45C0DF3A7F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_BB91DFD9214DD92B2B617B45C0DE043A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventsTextBlock_9BD9F1737ABBE960A2A37B45C0DF3A7F" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/SubsequentEventTables" xlink:type="extended" />
</link:linkbase>