

<!--XBRL Document Created with Wdesk from Workiva, formerly WebFilings-->
<!-- -->
<linkbase xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd" xmlns="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">
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/AcquisitionsAndDivestitures" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#AcquisitionsAndDivestitures" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/AcquisitionsAndDivestituresDivestituresDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#AcquisitionsAndDivestituresDivestituresDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/AcquisitionsAndDivestituresNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#AcquisitionsAndDivestituresNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/AcquisitionsAndDivestituresScheduleOfProFormaResultsOfOperationsDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#AcquisitionsAndDivestituresScheduleOfProFormaResultsOfOperationsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/AcquisitionsAndDivestituresScheduleOfPurchaseAccountingEntriesDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#AcquisitionsAndDivestituresScheduleOfPurchaseAccountingEntriesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/AcquisitionsAndDivestituresTables" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#AcquisitionsAndDivestituresTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/AssetRetirementObligations" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#AssetRetirementObligations" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/AssetRetirementObligationsDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#AssetRetirementObligationsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/AssetRetirementObligationsTables" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#AssetRetirementObligationsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/CapitalizedExploratoryWellCosts" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#CapitalizedExploratoryWellCosts" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/CapitalizedExploratoryWellCostsDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#CapitalizedExploratoryWellCostsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/CapitalizedExploratoryWellCostsTables" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#CapitalizedExploratoryWellCostsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesLitigationDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingenciesLitigationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesLongTermOperatingLeaseCommitmentsDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingenciesLongTermOperatingLeaseCommitmentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesOtherCommitmentsDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingenciesOtherCommitmentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesTables" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingenciesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeParenthetical" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfEquity" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfEquity" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/Debt" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#Debt" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/DebtNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#DebtNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/DebtScheduleOfDebtInstrumentsDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#DebtScheduleOfDebtInstrumentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/DebtTables" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#DebtTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/DerivativeContracts" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#DerivativeContracts" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/DerivativeContractsGainLossInStatementOfFinancialPerformanceDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#DerivativeContractsGainLossInStatementOfFinancialPerformanceDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/DerivativeContractsNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#DerivativeContractsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/DerivativeContractsScheduleOfCommodityDerivativeContractsDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#DerivativeContractsScheduleOfCommodityDerivativeContractsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/DerivativeContractsScheduleOfDerivativesFinancialStatementPresentationDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#DerivativeContractsScheduleOfDerivativesFinancialStatementPresentationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/DerivativeContractsTables" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#DerivativeContractsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/DiscontinuedOperations" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#DiscontinuedOperations" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/DiscontinuedOperationsAssetsAndLiabilitiesOfDiscontinuedOperationsDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#DiscontinuedOperationsAssetsAndLiabilitiesOfDiscontinuedOperationsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/DiscontinuedOperationsIncomeStatementImpactOfDiscontinuedOperationsDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#DiscontinuedOperationsIncomeStatementImpactOfDiscontinuedOperationsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/DiscontinuedOperationsNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#DiscontinuedOperationsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/DiscontinuedOperationsTables" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#DiscontinuedOperationsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/EmployeeBenefits" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#EmployeeBenefits" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/EmployeeBenefitsNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#EmployeeBenefitsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/EmployeeBenefitsScheduleOfChangesInBenefitObligationsAndFairValueOfPlanAssetsDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#EmployeeBenefitsScheduleOfChangesInBenefitObligationsAndFairValueOfPlanAssetsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/EmployeeBenefitsScheduleOfChangesInLevel3AssetsDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#EmployeeBenefitsScheduleOfChangesInLevel3AssetsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/EmployeeBenefitsScheduleOfExpectedBenefitPaymentsForPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#EmployeeBenefitsScheduleOfExpectedBenefitPaymentsForPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/EmployeeBenefitsScheduleOfFairValuesOfPensionAndPostretirementBenefitAssetsByAssetClassDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#EmployeeBenefitsScheduleOfFairValuesOfPensionAndPostretirementBenefitAssetsByAssetClassDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/EmployeeBenefitsScheduleOfNetPeriodicBenefitCostAndOtherComprehensiveIncomeForPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#EmployeeBenefitsScheduleOfNetPeriodicBenefitCostAndOtherComprehensiveIncomeForPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/EmployeeBenefitsScheduleOfWeightedAverageActuarialAssumptionsUsedToDetermineBenefitObligationsAndNetPeriodicBenefitCostsDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#EmployeeBenefitsScheduleOfWeightedAverageActuarialAssumptionsUsedToDetermineBenefitObligationsAndNetPeriodicBenefitCostsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/EmployeeBenefitsTables" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#EmployeeBenefitsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/EnvironmentalDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#EnvironmentalDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/EquityBasedCompensation" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#EquityBasedCompensation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/EquityBasedCompensationFairValueOfOptionsGrantedAndMajorAssumptionsUsedDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#EquityBasedCompensationFairValueOfOptionsGrantedAndMajorAssumptionsUsedDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/EquityBasedCompensationNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#EquityBasedCompensationNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/EquityBasedCompensationScheduleOfPerformanceShareUnitTransactionsDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#EquityBasedCompensationScheduleOfPerformanceShareUnitTransactionsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/EquityBasedCompensationScheduleOfRestrictedStockTransactionsDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#EquityBasedCompensationScheduleOfRestrictedStockTransactionsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/EquityBasedCompensationScheduleOfStockOptionTransactionsDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#EquityBasedCompensationScheduleOfStockOptionTransactionsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/EquityBasedCompensationTables" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#EquityBasedCompensationTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/FairValueMeasurements" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#FairValueMeasurements" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsFairValueAndRelatedCarryingAmountOfCertainFinancialInstrumentsDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsFairValueAndRelatedCarryingAmountOfCertainFinancialInstrumentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsTables" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#FairValueOfFinancialAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/IncomeTaxes" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#IncomeTaxes" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/IncomeTaxesAmountsAndExpirationDatesOfNetOperatingLossAndTaxCreditCarryforwardsDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#IncomeTaxesAmountsAndExpirationDatesOfNetOperatingLossAndTaxCreditCarryforwardsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/IncomeTaxesReconciliationOfStatutoryFederalIncomeTaxRateAndEffectiveTaxRateDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#IncomeTaxesReconciliationOfStatutoryFederalIncomeTaxRateAndEffectiveTaxRateDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/IncomeTaxesScheduleOfDeferredIncomeTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#IncomeTaxesScheduleOfDeferredIncomeTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/IncomeTaxesScheduleOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#IncomeTaxesScheduleOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#IncomeTaxesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/OperationsByLineOfBusiness" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#OperationsByLineOfBusiness" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/OperationsByLineOfBusinessDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#OperationsByLineOfBusinessDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/OperationsByLineOfBusinessTables" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#OperationsByLineOfBusinessTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialInformationUnaudited" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#QuarterlyFinancialInformationUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialInformationUnauditedDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#QuarterlyFinancialInformationUnauditedDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialInformationUnauditedTables" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#QuarterlyFinancialInformationUnauditedTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/RestructuringCosts" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#RestructuringCosts" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/RestructuringCostsNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#RestructuringCostsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/RestructuringCostsScheduleOfRestructuringCostsByLineOfBusinessDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#RestructuringCostsScheduleOfRestructuringCostsByLineOfBusinessDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/RestructuringCostsTables" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#RestructuringCostsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/ScheduleOfValuationAndQualifyingAccounts" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#ScheduleOfValuationAndQualifyingAccounts" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/ScheduleOfValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#ScheduleOfValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAccountsReceivableTradeDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAccountsReceivableTradeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesCashAndCashEquivalentsDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesCashAndCashEquivalentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesCreditRiskDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesCreditRiskDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDerivativeInstrumentsDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDerivativeInstrumentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesEarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesEarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesGoodwillDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesGoodwillDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesIncomeTaxesDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesIncomeTaxesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesNatureOfBusinessDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesNatureOfBusinessDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesRevenueRecognitionDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesRevenueRecognitionDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesShareRepurchasesAndRetirementsDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesShareRepurchasesAndRetirementsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/SupplementalGasAndOilInformationUnaudited" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#SupplementalGasAndOilInformationUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/SupplementalGasAndOilInformationUnauditedAveragePricePerUnitDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#SupplementalGasAndOilInformationUnauditedAveragePricePerUnitDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/SupplementalGasAndOilInformationUnauditedCapitalizedCostsDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#SupplementalGasAndOilInformationUnauditedCapitalizedCostsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/SupplementalGasAndOilInformationUnauditedChangeInStandardizedMeasureOfFutureCashFlowsDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#SupplementalGasAndOilInformationUnauditedChangeInStandardizedMeasureOfFutureCashFlowsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/SupplementalGasAndOilInformationUnauditedCostsIncurredDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#SupplementalGasAndOilInformationUnauditedCostsIncurredDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/SupplementalGasAndOilInformationUnauditedEstimatedQuantitiesOfProvedGasAndOilReservesDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#SupplementalGasAndOilInformationUnauditedEstimatedQuantitiesOfProvedGasAndOilReservesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/SupplementalGasAndOilInformationUnauditedFutureDevelopmentCostsDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#SupplementalGasAndOilInformationUnauditedFutureDevelopmentCostsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/SupplementalGasAndOilInformationUnauditedResultsOfOperationsDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#SupplementalGasAndOilInformationUnauditedResultsOfOperationsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/SupplementalGasAndOilInformationUnauditedStandardizedMeasureOfFutureNetCashFlowsDetails" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#SupplementalGasAndOilInformationUnauditedStandardizedMeasureOfFutureNetCashFlowsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.qepres.com/role/SupplementalGasAndOilInformationUnauditedTables" xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#SupplementalGasAndOilInformationUnauditedTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#all" xlink:type="simple" />
  <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" />
  <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" />
  <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" />
  <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" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/AcquisitionsAndDivestitures" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/AcquisitionsAndDivestituresDivestituresDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsLineItems_EFC54F0E3B3C5134E584B6F9CAAC2DFE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTable_A4959B1BAF2CE169730AB6F9CAACCC4D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsLineItems_EFC54F0E3B3C5134E584B6F9CAAC2DFE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTable_A4959B1BAF2CE169730AB6F9CAACCC4D" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis_B6A32A493F0C759E4EC7B6F9CAAC2A35" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTable_A4959B1BAF2CE169730AB6F9CAACCC4D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis_B6A32A493F0C759E4EC7B6F9CAAC2A35" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain_9B524FAAC2B70C5F010CB6F9CAACB56C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis_B6A32A493F0C759E4EC7B6F9CAAC2A35" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain_9B524FAAC2B70C5F010CB6F9CAACB56C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain_9B524FAAC2B70C5F010CB6F9CAACB56C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis_B6A32A493F0C759E4EC7B6F9CAAC2A35" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain_9B524FAAC2B70C5F010CB6F9CAACB56C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_MidcontinentDivestituresMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_MidcontinentDivestituresMember_5CC0BCC4EC0A64B58522B6F9CAACF98A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain_9B524FAAC2B70C5F010CB6F9CAACB56C" xlink:to="loc_qep_MidcontinentDivestituresMember_5CC0BCC4EC0A64B58522B6F9CAACF98A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_NorthernRegionDivestituresMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_NorthernRegionDivestituresMember_B98B3BE19BBE29708CE0B6F9CAAC3EEA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain_9B524FAAC2B70C5F010CB6F9CAACB56C" xlink:to="loc_qep_NorthernRegionDivestituresMember_B98B3BE19BBE29708CE0B6F9CAAC3EEA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_SouthernRegionDivestituresMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_SouthernRegionDivestituresMember_69DB7BCA9A2813606709B6F9CAACDA65" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain_9B524FAAC2B70C5F010CB6F9CAACB56C" xlink:to="loc_qep_SouthernRegionDivestituresMember_69DB7BCA9A2813606709B6F9CAACDA65" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment_8A3940CBB35D9E100FC9B6F9CAAC9E01" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsLineItems_EFC54F0E3B3C5134E584B6F9CAAC2DFE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment_8A3940CBB35D9E100FC9B6F9CAAC9E01" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfProperty" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfProperty_B857C260DF4326E16C8CB6F9CAAC2E29" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsLineItems_EFC54F0E3B3C5134E584B6F9CAAC2DFE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfProperty_B857C260DF4326E16C8CB6F9CAAC2E29" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/AcquisitionsAndDivestituresNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_21C5F3E8BE0D6699C661B6F9CABA33CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_1BCA1A709C495B9C77DAB6F9CAB949CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_21C5F3E8BE0D6699C661B6F9CABA33CA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_1BCA1A709C495B9C77DAB6F9CAB949CB" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_223117CCCE851C6C66C8B6F9CAB997F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_1BCA1A709C495B9C77DAB6F9CAB949CB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_223117CCCE851C6C66C8B6F9CAB997F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_72461AFDE4EF984E5404B6F9CAB95ACD_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_223117CCCE851C6C66C8B6F9CAB997F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_72461AFDE4EF984E5404B6F9CAB95ACD_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_72461AFDE4EF984E5404B6F9CAB95ACD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_223117CCCE851C6C66C8B6F9CAB997F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_72461AFDE4EF984E5404B6F9CAB95ACD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_PermianBasinAcquisitionMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_PermianBasinAcquisitionMember_4648C563287A36808843B6F9CAB9881F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_72461AFDE4EF984E5404B6F9CAB95ACD" xlink:to="loc_qep_PermianBasinAcquisitionMember_4648C563287A36808843B6F9CAB9881F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_WillistonBasinAcquisitionMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_WillistonBasinAcquisitionMember_2831A98A08E456E0391AB6F9CAB9BA22" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_72461AFDE4EF984E5404B6F9CAB95ACD" xlink:to="loc_qep_WillistonBasinAcquisitionMember_2831A98A08E456E0391AB6F9CAB9BA22" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_3E5C51FE9429EBB1C2BCB6F9CABA7394" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_21C5F3E8BE0D6699C661B6F9CABA33CA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_3E5C51FE9429EBB1C2BCB6F9CABA7394" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GasAndOilAreaDevelopedNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GasAndOilAreaDevelopedNet_95C476698115C6A2FAEAB6F9CABA0DEF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_21C5F3E8BE0D6699C661B6F9CABA33CA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GasAndOilAreaDevelopedNet_95C476698115C6A2FAEAB6F9CABA0DEF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_VerticalProducingOilAndGasWells" xlink:label="loc_qep_VerticalProducingOilAndGasWells_B8EF6F258605AF7C4CCFB6F9CABAB82A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_21C5F3E8BE0D6699C661B6F9CABA33CA" xlink:to="loc_qep_VerticalProducingOilAndGasWells_B8EF6F258605AF7C4CCFB6F9CABAB82A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EscrowDeposit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EscrowDeposit_20202CBF5C32D6069F15B6F9CABAF4C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_21C5F3E8BE0D6699C661B6F9CABA33CA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EscrowDeposit_20202CBF5C32D6069F15B6F9CABAF4C7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredLiabilitiesIncurred" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredLiabilitiesIncurred_418A17BFC7210469F470B6F9CABAF8FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_21C5F3E8BE0D6699C661B6F9CABA33CA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredLiabilitiesIncurred_418A17BFC7210469F470B6F9CABAF8FA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationRevenueOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationRevenueOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual_2F36DEAA88C3DEDC4E70B6F9CABA7B4F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_21C5F3E8BE0D6699C661B6F9CABA33CA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationRevenueOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual_2F36DEAA88C3DEDC4E70B6F9CABA7B4F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationEarningsOrLossOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationEarningsOrLossOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual_4D2B223B61A354E7B48AB6F9CABAF2AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_21C5F3E8BE0D6699C661B6F9CABA33CA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationEarningsOrLossOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual_4D2B223B61A354E7B48AB6F9CABAF2AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties_1EB5B9A6D29AC75555C9B6F9CABA7B7B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_21C5F3E8BE0D6699C661B6F9CABA33CA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties_1EB5B9A6D29AC75555C9B6F9CABA7B7B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_AcquisitionTransactionCosts" xlink:label="loc_qep_AcquisitionTransactionCosts_3D86617156D2F5EB9C2FB6F9CABA1A31" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_21C5F3E8BE0D6699C661B6F9CABA33CA" xlink:to="loc_qep_AcquisitionTransactionCosts_3D86617156D2F5EB9C2FB6F9CABA1A31" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtIssuanceCosts_EF69E70094C3FD888042B6F9CABA5E68" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_21C5F3E8BE0D6699C661B6F9CABA33CA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtIssuanceCosts_EF69E70094C3FD888042B6F9CABA5E68" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/AcquisitionsAndDivestituresScheduleOfProFormaResultsOfOperationsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_3A0647E96988078F2D0DB6F9CAB0AEC2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_BBDAE698F3EAEC3FBEFFB6F9CAB0B363" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_3A0647E96988078F2D0DB6F9CAB0AEC2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_BBDAE698F3EAEC3FBEFFB6F9CAB0B363" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_CB7CCA133DC6FD3EAF0FB6F9CAB007D0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_BBDAE698F3EAEC3FBEFFB6F9CAB0B363" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_CB7CCA133DC6FD3EAF0FB6F9CAB007D0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_A5E7F91DFE6C5F6490DAB6F9CAB00CE9_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_CB7CCA133DC6FD3EAF0FB6F9CAB007D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_A5E7F91DFE6C5F6490DAB6F9CAB00CE9_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_A5E7F91DFE6C5F6490DAB6F9CAB00CE9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_CB7CCA133DC6FD3EAF0FB6F9CAB007D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_A5E7F91DFE6C5F6490DAB6F9CAB00CE9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_WillistonBasinAcquisitionMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_WillistonBasinAcquisitionMember_5ACE61D00331153E694EB6F9CAB0A48E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_A5E7F91DFE6C5F6490DAB6F9CAB00CE9" xlink:to="loc_qep_WillistonBasinAcquisitionMember_5ACE61D00331153E694EB6F9CAB0A48E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_PermianBasinAcquisitionMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_PermianBasinAcquisitionMember_6ADB40A26D8DFFBA4644B6F9CAB09209" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_A5E7F91DFE6C5F6490DAB6F9CAB00CE9" xlink:to="loc_qep_PermianBasinAcquisitionMember_6ADB40A26D8DFFBA4644B6F9CAB09209" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OilAndGasRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasRevenue_E4CA347FF468D64C53A3B6F9CAB03F2A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_3A0647E96988078F2D0DB6F9CAB0AEC2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasRevenue_E4CA347FF468D64C53A3B6F9CAB03F2A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_51901A45557918B1FF2AB6F9CAB0F699" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_3A0647E96988078F2D0DB6F9CAB0AEC2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_51901A45557918B1FF2AB6F9CAB0F699" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_6FA0D666ABF7C5AA25B1B6F9CAB0647C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_3A0647E96988078F2D0DB6F9CAB0AEC2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_6FA0D666ABF7C5AA25B1B6F9CAB0647C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_581CB3ACBA136CD33334B6F9CAB0C6A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_3A0647E96988078F2D0DB6F9CAB0AEC2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_581CB3ACBA136CD33334B6F9CAB0C6A6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaRevenue_912B9A0FECB338982CBCB6F9CAB0DE0C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_3A0647E96988078F2D0DB6F9CAB0AEC2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaRevenue_912B9A0FECB338982CBCB6F9CAB0DE0C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaNetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaNetIncomeLoss_F861B2CEA3B87353EF03B6F9CAB02436" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_3A0647E96988078F2D0DB6F9CAB0AEC2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaNetIncomeLoss_F861B2CEA3B87353EF03B6F9CAB02436" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareBasic_2C28AE5CA5035C94FAE2B6F9CAB063BC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_3A0647E96988078F2D0DB6F9CAB0AEC2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareBasic_2C28AE5CA5035C94FAE2B6F9CAB063BC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareDiluted_A60C143B834E765E80FFB6F9CAB1F7F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_3A0647E96988078F2D0DB6F9CAB0AEC2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareDiluted_A60C143B834E765E80FFB6F9CAB1F7F5" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/AcquisitionsAndDivestituresScheduleOfPurchaseAccountingEntriesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_58D1CBD2DEFFFF84148EA345E182D597" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_C097B1F0555C09438903A345E181E4BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_58D1CBD2DEFFFF84148EA345E182D597" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_C097B1F0555C09438903A345E181E4BA" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_CBD3C8DFE4C5A8071167A345E181C43B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_C097B1F0555C09438903A345E181E4BA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_CBD3C8DFE4C5A8071167A345E181C43B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_055294B844CFA9CAFD63A345E181511A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_CBD3C8DFE4C5A8071167A345E181C43B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_055294B844CFA9CAFD63A345E181511A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_055294B844CFA9CAFD63A345E181511A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_CBD3C8DFE4C5A8071167A345E181C43B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_055294B844CFA9CAFD63A345E181511A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_PermianBasinAcquisitionMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_PermianBasinAcquisitionMember_FD3A08A4CEB5905C6ADCA345E1828072" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_055294B844CFA9CAFD63A345E181511A" xlink:to="loc_qep_PermianBasinAcquisitionMember_FD3A08A4CEB5905C6ADCA345E1828072" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_WillistonBasinAcquisitionMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_WillistonBasinAcquisitionMember_CA90D3DA4D15C77E1B30A345E182D47A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_055294B844CFA9CAFD63A345E181511A" xlink:to="loc_qep_WillistonBasinAcquisitionMember_CA90D3DA4D15C77E1B30A345E182D47A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReserveQuantitiesByTypeOfReserveAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReserveQuantitiesByTypeOfReserveAxis_D8B92A513E0D785B6651A345E1824406" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_C097B1F0555C09438903A345E181E4BA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReserveQuantitiesByTypeOfReserveAxis_D8B92A513E0D785B6651A345E1824406" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfReserveDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfReserveDomain_4530F0D1F12F1DBACF1BA345E182B609_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReserveQuantitiesByTypeOfReserveAxis_D8B92A513E0D785B6651A345E1824406" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfReserveDomain_4530F0D1F12F1DBACF1BA345E182B609_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfReserveDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfReserveDomain_4530F0D1F12F1DBACF1BA345E182B609" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReserveQuantitiesByTypeOfReserveAxis_D8B92A513E0D785B6651A345E1824406" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfReserveDomain_4530F0D1F12F1DBACF1BA345E182B609" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_ProvedPropertyMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_ProvedPropertyMember_5F81DB5E422C772B7158A345E18211E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfReserveDomain_4530F0D1F12F1DBACF1BA345E182B609" xlink:to="loc_qep_ProvedPropertyMember_5F81DB5E422C772B7158A345E18211E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_UnprovedPropertyMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_UnprovedPropertyMember_20AE5794134B5953A7F4A345E182DE2F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfReserveDomain_4530F0D1F12F1DBACF1BA345E182B609" xlink:to="loc_qep_UnprovedPropertyMember_20AE5794134B5953A7F4A345E182DE2F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationCostsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationCostsMember_00CEEF130489FA7C554DA345E182FB2F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfReserveDomain_4530F0D1F12F1DBACF1BA345E182B609" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationCostsMember_00CEEF130489FA7C554DA345E182FB2F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesMember_61E0CDE72CFBEB07A979A345E182F57E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfReserveDomain_4530F0D1F12F1DBACF1BA345E182B609" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesMember_61E0CDE72CFBEB07A979A345E182F57E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_D5D2D3C9E5C2B4885204A345E182D1BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_58D1CBD2DEFFFF84148EA345E182D597" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_D5D2D3C9E5C2B4885204A345E182D1BD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet_183E30C4E9BFA96B36CEA345E1822303" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_58D1CBD2DEFFFF84148EA345E182D597" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet_183E30C4E9BFA96B36CEA345E1822303" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/AcquisitionsAndDivestituresTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/AssetRetirementObligations" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/AssetRetirementObligationsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_527B7116A517E993F365A40C730E99AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_9A2F7CB7932C8D2D0BCCA40C730D8BC1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_527B7116A517E993F365A40C730E99AE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_9A2F7CB7932C8D2D0BCCA40C730D8BC1" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_EED5D2BA6F8C735A4466A40C730DCDB5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_9A2F7CB7932C8D2D0BCCA40C730D8BC1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_EED5D2BA6F8C735A4466A40C730DCDB5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_2DEB13D5E080CC5CC34EA40C730D8597_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_EED5D2BA6F8C735A4466A40C730DCDB5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_2DEB13D5E080CC5CC34EA40C730D8597_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_2DEB13D5E080CC5CC34EA40C730D8597" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_EED5D2BA6F8C735A4466A40C730DCDB5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_2DEB13D5E080CC5CC34EA40C730D8597" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_PermianBasinAcquisitionMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_PermianBasinAcquisitionMember_D634BBF46A1D8E5ACC3DA40C730D2394" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_2DEB13D5E080CC5CC34EA40C730D8597" xlink:to="loc_qep_PermianBasinAcquisitionMember_D634BBF46A1D8E5ACC3DA40C730D2394" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_0112562318549CE28E62A40C730DB2EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_9A2F7CB7932C8D2D0BCCA40C730D8BC1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_0112562318549CE28E62A40C730DB2EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_A199AA7D99ADB0FFD73DA40C730DE761_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_0112562318549CE28E62A40C730DB2EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_A199AA7D99ADB0FFD73DA40C730DE761_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_A199AA7D99ADB0FFD73DA40C730DE761" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_0112562318549CE28E62A40C730DB2EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_A199AA7D99ADB0FFD73DA40C730DE761" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_MidstreamBusinessHeldForSaleMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_MidstreamBusinessHeldForSaleMember_07C80CBB2E0C3513D5F0A40C730EBFD5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_A199AA7D99ADB0FFD73DA40C730DE761" xlink:to="loc_qep_MidstreamBusinessHeldForSaleMember_07C80CBB2E0C3513D5F0A40C730EBFD5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReserveQuantitiesByTypeOfReserveAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReserveQuantitiesByTypeOfReserveAxis_C485CE90C754C4532A00A40C730E05E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_9A2F7CB7932C8D2D0BCCA40C730D8BC1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReserveQuantitiesByTypeOfReserveAxis_C485CE90C754C4532A00A40C730E05E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfReserveDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfReserveDomain_83E8D82DA6FA026605DCA40C730EB6DB_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReserveQuantitiesByTypeOfReserveAxis_C485CE90C754C4532A00A40C730E05E1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfReserveDomain_83E8D82DA6FA026605DCA40C730EB6DB_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfReserveDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfReserveDomain_83E8D82DA6FA026605DCA40C730EB6DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReserveQuantitiesByTypeOfReserveAxis_C485CE90C754C4532A00A40C730E05E1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfReserveDomain_83E8D82DA6FA026605DCA40C730EB6DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationCostsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationCostsMember_4D5C8D598514AB25AB4FA40C730E5085" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfReserveDomain_83E8D82DA6FA026605DCA40C730EB6DB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationCostsMember_4D5C8D598514AB25AB4FA40C730E5085" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_39E4E1A4A8F311FB89DBA40C730E0CE6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_527B7116A517E993F365A40C730E99AE" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_39E4E1A4A8F311FB89DBA40C730E0CE6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationCurrent_C4D82399545570509A92A40C730E0C17" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_527B7116A517E993F365A40C730E99AE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationCurrent_C4D82399545570509A92A40C730E0C17" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationsNoncurrent_85C11FE0DE3C0151C303A40C730EE96D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_527B7116A517E993F365A40C730E99AE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationsNoncurrent_85C11FE0DE3C0151C303A40C730EE96D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet_23F75F1AE9A6DE437F60A40C730E2E46" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_527B7116A517E993F365A40C730E99AE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet_23F75F1AE9A6DE437F60A40C730E2E46" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationRollForwardAnalysisRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationRollForwardAnalysisRollForward_3D5CAF0DEE26975D08B7A40C730EF24B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_527B7116A517E993F365A40C730E99AE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationRollForwardAnalysisRollForward_3D5CAF0DEE26975D08B7A40C730EF24B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligation_6B621A6C9756EA111CB1A40C730E4B3E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationRollForwardAnalysisRollForward_3D5CAF0DEE26975D08B7A40C730EF24B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligation_6B621A6C9756EA111CB1A40C730E4B3E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationAccretionExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationAccretionExpense_6DD585D42920A50E1B87A40C730EE82D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationRollForwardAnalysisRollForward_3D5CAF0DEE26975D08B7A40C730EF24B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationAccretionExpense_6DD585D42920A50E1B87A40C730EE82D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationLiabilitiesIncurred" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationLiabilitiesIncurred_288B212CE1287AAFECB1A40C730E7D40" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationRollForwardAnalysisRollForward_3D5CAF0DEE26975D08B7A40C730EF24B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationLiabilitiesIncurred_288B212CE1287AAFECB1A40C730E7D40" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationRevisionOfEstimate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationRevisionOfEstimate_09DCDAF2E4C54C079A10A40C730E82E6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationRollForwardAnalysisRollForward_3D5CAF0DEE26975D08B7A40C730EF24B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationRevisionOfEstimate_09DCDAF2E4C54C079A10A40C730E82E6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_AROLiabilitiesTransferred" xlink:label="loc_qep_AROLiabilitiesTransferred_1683A24B2B883F453590A40C730E36D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationRollForwardAnalysisRollForward_3D5CAF0DEE26975D08B7A40C730EF24B" xlink:to="loc_qep_AROLiabilitiesTransferred_1683A24B2B883F453590A40C730E36D7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationLiabilitiesSettled" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationLiabilitiesSettled_663008392B8C0AFA8BFFA40C730F82F1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationRollForwardAnalysisRollForward_3D5CAF0DEE26975D08B7A40C730EF24B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationLiabilitiesSettled_663008392B8C0AFA8BFFA40C730F82F1" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/AssetRetirementObligationsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/CapitalizedExploratoryWellCosts" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/CapitalizedExploratoryWellCostsDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/CapitalizedExploratoryWellCostsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesLitigationDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesLongTermOperatingLeaseCommitmentsDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesOtherCommitmentsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_C61B50393D07C03A57D273DA292A392C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable_B0AE4A51038896AE940E73DA292A310E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_C61B50393D07C03A57D273DA292A392C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable_B0AE4A51038896AE940E73DA292A310E" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentByCategoryOfItemPurchasedAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentByCategoryOfItemPurchasedAxis_EDF28910726547C062D673DA292A4FE5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable_B0AE4A51038896AE940E73DA292A310E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentByCategoryOfItemPurchasedAxis_EDF28910726547C062D673DA292A4FE5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentCategoryOfItemPurchasedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentCategoryOfItemPurchasedDomain_EB528170FD5E4152BF0273DA292AAAE1_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentByCategoryOfItemPurchasedAxis_EDF28910726547C062D673DA292A4FE5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentCategoryOfItemPurchasedDomain_EB528170FD5E4152BF0273DA292AAAE1_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentCategoryOfItemPurchasedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentCategoryOfItemPurchasedDomain_EB528170FD5E4152BF0273DA292AAAE1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentByCategoryOfItemPurchasedAxis_EDF28910726547C062D673DA292A4FE5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentCategoryOfItemPurchasedDomain_EB528170FD5E4152BF0273DA292AAAE1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnFirstAnniversary" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnFirstAnniversary_AA680B680755AEB5A70273DA292A798E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_C61B50393D07C03A57D273DA292A392C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnFirstAnniversary_AA680B680755AEB5A70273DA292A798E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnSecondAnniversary" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnSecondAnniversary_2DEB29FCB30C9133A18F73DA292AA637" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_C61B50393D07C03A57D273DA292A392C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnSecondAnniversary_2DEB29FCB30C9133A18F73DA292AA637" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnThirdAnniversary" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnThirdAnniversary_F94EF0F4D28FA6CA48D573DA292A496E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_C61B50393D07C03A57D273DA292A392C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnThirdAnniversary_F94EF0F4D28FA6CA48D573DA292A496E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnFourthAnniversary" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnFourthAnniversary_B3CF77AE04CE6D41D8EB73DA292A7E7B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_C61B50393D07C03A57D273DA292A392C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnFourthAnniversary_B3CF77AE04CE6D41D8EB73DA292A7E7B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnFifthAnniversary" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnFifthAnniversary_AE5C8E764352376D8D4773DA292A4989" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_C61B50393D07C03A57D273DA292A392C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnFifthAnniversary_AE5C8E764352376D8D4773DA292A4989" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationDueAfterFiveYears" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationDueAfterFiveYears_078289A3D284414B328473DA292A1439" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_C61B50393D07C03A57D273DA292A392C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationDueAfterFiveYears_078289A3D284414B328473DA292A1439" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeParenthetical" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_E945900566B8DFB3D9C8B6F8F65A7875" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_1F5C91A6855D8B912EBDB6F8F6594810" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_E945900566B8DFB3D9C8B6F8F65A7875" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_1F5C91A6855D8B912EBDB6F8F6594810" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationAxis_A183597EE4668AECD334B6F8F659DC26" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_1F5C91A6855D8B912EBDB6F8F6594810" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationAxis_A183597EE4668AECD334B6F8F659DC26" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationDomain_4BAB03B37AE2DAC2497AB6F8F6593D6B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationAxis_A183597EE4668AECD334B6F8F659DC26" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationDomain_4BAB03B37AE2DAC2497AB6F8F6593D6B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationDomain_4BAB03B37AE2DAC2497AB6F8F6593D6B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationAxis_A183597EE4668AECD334B6F8F659DC26" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationDomain_4BAB03B37AE2DAC2497AB6F8F6593D6B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_CurrentYearNetActuarialGainLossMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_CurrentYearNetActuarialGainLossMember_ED9E3E325B2B1367236AB6F8F659F85E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationDomain_4BAB03B37AE2DAC2497AB6F8F6593D6B" xlink:to="loc_qep_CurrentYearNetActuarialGainLossMember_ED9E3E325B2B1367236AB6F8F659F85E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_AmortizationNetActuarialGainLossMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_AmortizationNetActuarialGainLossMember_3DC2B106AA038FAAD0ECB6F8F6590506" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationDomain_4BAB03B37AE2DAC2497AB6F8F6593D6B" xlink:to="loc_qep_AmortizationNetActuarialGainLossMember_3DC2B106AA038FAAD0ECB6F8F6590506" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTaxAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTaxAbstract_A6543C5B3F97B2F99BA9B6F8F65AEB93" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_E945900566B8DFB3D9C8B6F8F65A7875" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTaxAbstract_A6543C5B3F97B2F99BA9B6F8F65AEB93" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesTax_7B98AA3EE8D5B18021ADB6F8F65AE638" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTaxAbstract_A6543C5B3F97B2F99BA9B6F8F65AEB93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesTax_7B98AA3EE8D5B18021ADB6F8F65AE638" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_0C159FB518EB7B5D20F6B6F8F65A0B8B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_E945900566B8DFB3D9C8B6F8F65A7875" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_0C159FB518EB7B5D20F6B6F8F65A0B8B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansNetUnamortizedGainLossArisingDuringPeriodTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansNetUnamortizedGainLossArisingDuringPeriodTax_A92B778F7C4BE4DFF3E4B6F8F65F2AEA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_0C159FB518EB7B5D20F6B6F8F65A0B8B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansNetUnamortizedGainLossArisingDuringPeriodTax_A92B778F7C4BE4DFF3E4B6F8F65F2AEA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditTax_FA6D2BDC7161C3640373B6F8F65F20F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_0C159FB518EB7B5D20F6B6F8F65A0B8B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditTax_FA6D2BDC7161C3640373B6F8F65F20F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsNetCurtailmentAndSettlementsTax" xlink:label="loc_qep_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsNetCurtailmentAndSettlementsTax_3B79FFFF8D66FBFC51ACB6F8F65F3D6A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_0C159FB518EB7B5D20F6B6F8F65A0B8B" xlink:to="loc_qep_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsNetCurtailmentAndSettlementsTax_3B79FFFF8D66FBFC51ACB6F8F65F3D6A" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfEquity" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_6A50008900CA1F7446C9BCC9CB1A7081" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_37F08FD721C375DB7222BCC9CB19662E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_6A50008900CA1F7446C9BCC9CB1A7081" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_37F08FD721C375DB7222BCC9CB19662E" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_B0B729E955ACBD32E168BCC9CB196B03" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_37F08FD721C375DB7222BCC9CB19662E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_B0B729E955ACBD32E168BCC9CB196B03" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_AF431DA8C6468E58E061BCC9CB192A14_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_B0B729E955ACBD32E168BCC9CB196B03" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_AF431DA8C6468E58E061BCC9CB192A14_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_AF431DA8C6468E58E061BCC9CB192A14" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_B0B729E955ACBD32E168BCC9CB196B03" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_AF431DA8C6468E58E061BCC9CB192A14" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_44B30DB7CEFEE4EB3382BCC9CB198646" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_AF431DA8C6468E58E061BCC9CB192A14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_44B30DB7CEFEE4EB3382BCC9CB198646" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember_E2297FDE0AFFF1B3477ABCC9CB19B8B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_AF431DA8C6468E58E061BCC9CB192A14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember_E2297FDE0AFFF1B3477ABCC9CB19B8B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_ED49622728ADF4208083BCC9CB1AFA9E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_AF431DA8C6468E58E061BCC9CB192A14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_ED49622728ADF4208083BCC9CB1AFA9E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_C325BE54C691019F3E11BCC9CB1ACC57" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_AF431DA8C6468E58E061BCC9CB192A14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_C325BE54C691019F3E11BCC9CB1ACC57" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_940C3DF3021EA4A40ABCBCC9CB1A7936" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_AF431DA8C6468E58E061BCC9CB192A14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_940C3DF3021EA4A40ABCBCC9CB1A7936" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember_7967438357CD06880A4ABCC9CB1A2A77" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_AF431DA8C6468E58E061BCC9CB192A14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember_7967438357CD06880A4ABCC9CB1A2A77" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_4EF6683D14204D90E8E8BCC9CB1A8DB1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_6A50008900CA1F7446C9BCC9CB1A7081" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_4EF6683D14204D90E8E8BCC9CB1A8DB1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_36B18F57483A1E39E785BCC9CB1AEAB2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_4EF6683D14204D90E8E8BCC9CB1A8DB1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_36B18F57483A1E39E785BCC9CB1AEAB2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharesIssued_58C323683693669B504BBCC9CB1A0A08" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_4EF6683D14204D90E8E8BCC9CB1A8DB1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharesIssued_58C323683693669B504BBCC9CB1A0A08" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockShares" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockShares_30B65FB04AD94814B5B6BCC9CB1A96FB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_4EF6683D14204D90E8E8BCC9CB1A8DB1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockShares_30B65FB04AD94814B5B6BCC9CB1A96FB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_99F6BFE3829CFA79E7A6BCC9CB1A9699" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_4EF6683D14204D90E8E8BCC9CB1A8DB1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_99F6BFE3829CFA79E7A6BCC9CB1A9699" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_00BF538DD37CD0E3598DBCC9CB1AD251" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_4EF6683D14204D90E8E8BCC9CB1A8DB1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_00BF538DD37CD0E3598DBCC9CB1AD251" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Dividends" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Dividends_E56A0E331973BF53AB24BCC9CB1AB304" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_4EF6683D14204D90E8E8BCC9CB1A8DB1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Dividends_E56A0E331973BF53AB24BCC9CB1AB304" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation_A7862C7BE122B7ECA71DBCC9CB1AB7E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_4EF6683D14204D90E8E8BCC9CB1A8DB1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation_A7862C7BE122B7ECA71DBCC9CB1AB7E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation_45AC081C9B28461BEA99BCC9CB1AE16D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_4EF6683D14204D90E8E8BCC9CB1A8DB1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation_45AC081C9B28461BEA99BCC9CB1AE16D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesTreasuryStockReissued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesTreasuryStockReissued_6151885C866F4C66B55BBCC9CB1A5304" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_4EF6683D14204D90E8E8BCC9CB1A8DB1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesTreasuryStockReissued_6151885C866F4C66B55BBCC9CB1A5304" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueTreasuryStockReissued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueTreasuryStockReissued_7E27379D04BE27112E30BCC9CB1A0CF7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_4EF6683D14204D90E8E8BCC9CB1A8DB1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueTreasuryStockReissued_7E27379D04BE27112E30BCC9CB1A0CF7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders_575D7C8DCF52F7124289BCC9CB1ACDD8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_4EF6683D14204D90E8E8BCC9CB1A8DB1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders_575D7C8DCF52F7124289BCC9CB1ACDD8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceInitialPublicOffering" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceInitialPublicOffering_672E05C60FFC20103440BCC9CB1BE076" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_4EF6683D14204D90E8E8BCC9CB1A8DB1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceInitialPublicOffering_672E05C60FFC20103440BCC9CB1BE076" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_TreasuryStockIssuedCharitableContribution" xlink:label="loc_qep_TreasuryStockIssuedCharitableContribution_CBDA199290E4CAFF4993BCC9CB1BC0FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_4EF6683D14204D90E8E8BCC9CB1A8DB1" xlink:to="loc_qep_TreasuryStockIssuedCharitableContribution_CBDA199290E4CAFF4993BCC9CB1BC0FC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossReclassifiedFromAccumulatedOCIIntoIncomeEffectivePortionNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossReclassifiedFromAccumulatedOCIIntoIncomeEffectivePortionNet_3007D21AE97D5C3C02B0BCC9CB1BA9CC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_4EF6683D14204D90E8E8BCC9CB1A8DB1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossReclassifiedFromAccumulatedOCIIntoIncomeEffectivePortionNet_3007D21AE97D5C3C02B0BCC9CB1BA9CC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue_4F86824FA520D4A8ECBDBCC9CB1BB607" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_4EF6683D14204D90E8E8BCC9CB1A8DB1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue_4F86824FA520D4A8ECBDBCC9CB1BB607" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares_669ECB33857D2D8F3ED3BCC9CB1B5D79" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_4EF6683D14204D90E8E8BCC9CB1A8DB1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares_669ECB33857D2D8F3ED3BCC9CB1B5D79" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTax_36D5DDD5F4C0BC9F9BAABCC9CB1B4612" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_4EF6683D14204D90E8E8BCC9CB1A8DB1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTax_36D5DDD5F4C0BC9F9BAABCC9CB1B4612" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestDecreaseFromDeconsolidation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestDecreaseFromDeconsolidation_5F83B7BD4DCE74CBF132BCC9CB1BCC17" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_4EF6683D14204D90E8E8BCC9CB1A8DB1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestDecreaseFromDeconsolidation_5F83B7BD4DCE74CBF132BCC9CB1BCC17" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_44B0017A2EDE9155672BA8BD299DA3F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_9AFA7E69E283BDFDB5A4A8BD299C15E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_44B0017A2EDE9155672BA8BD299DA3F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_9AFA7E69E283BDFDB5A4A8BD299C15E2" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis_2F4DB71C421E6773324BA8BD299C287F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_9AFA7E69E283BDFDB5A4A8BD299C15E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis_2F4DB71C421E6773324BA8BD299C287F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_9BCA7026EF7059B28F61A8BD299C974A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis_2F4DB71C421E6773324BA8BD299C287F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_9BCA7026EF7059B28F61A8BD299C974A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_9BCA7026EF7059B28F61A8BD299C974A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis_2F4DB71C421E6773324BA8BD299C287F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_9BCA7026EF7059B28F61A8BD299C974A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember_FE282D62B2A012C0D426A8BD299D1798" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_9BCA7026EF7059B28F61A8BD299C974A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember_FE282D62B2A012C0D426A8BD299D1798" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDiscontinuedOperationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDiscontinuedOperationsMember_E693E638E26F65D78B03A8BD299D368D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_9BCA7026EF7059B28F61A8BD299C974A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDiscontinuedOperationsMember_E693E638E26F65D78B03A8BD299D368D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_66C857DEBAFCB3E6999FA8BD299D9088" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_44B0017A2EDE9155672BA8BD299DA3F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_66C857DEBAFCB3E6999FA8BD299D9088" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NaturalGasProductionRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NaturalGasProductionRevenue_A98D720C4C201386ECD7A8BD299D09D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_66C857DEBAFCB3E6999FA8BD299D9088" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NaturalGasProductionRevenue_A98D720C4C201386ECD7A8BD299D09D5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OilAndCondensateRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OilAndCondensateRevenue_88FDEC4DC6A27E1A5454A8BD299D17AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_66C857DEBAFCB3E6999FA8BD299D9088" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OilAndCondensateRevenue_88FDEC4DC6A27E1A5454A8BD299D17AD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NaturalGasMidstreamRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NaturalGasMidstreamRevenue_0E78F8CAD1C8D9E71264A8BD299DF8A2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_66C857DEBAFCB3E6999FA8BD299D9088" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NaturalGasMidstreamRevenue_0E78F8CAD1C8D9E71264A8BD299DF8A2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GasGatheringTransportationMarketingAndProcessingRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GasGatheringTransportationMarketingAndProcessingRevenue_D071A4FBAFADFDFB35F6A8BD299DDCC8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_66C857DEBAFCB3E6999FA8BD299D9088" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GasGatheringTransportationMarketingAndProcessingRevenue_D071A4FBAFADFDFB35F6A8BD299DDCC8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RefiningAndMarketingRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RefiningAndMarketingRevenue_D0255CF98F862FDE7A67A8BD299D5772" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_66C857DEBAFCB3E6999FA8BD299D9088" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RefiningAndMarketingRevenue_D0255CF98F862FDE7A67A8BD299D5772" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OilAndGasRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasRevenue_719BE894EDAE7C5AD847A8BD299DF394" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_66C857DEBAFCB3E6999FA8BD299D9088" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasRevenue_719BE894EDAE7C5AD847A8BD299DF394" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_3FE0AD745FFC631C27B0A8BD299D2C05" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_44B0017A2EDE9155672BA8BD299DA3F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_3FE0AD745FFC631C27B0A8BD299D2C05" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RefiningAndMarketingCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RefiningAndMarketingCosts_957B7F2E3F9702251281A8BD299D3FA0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_3FE0AD745FFC631C27B0A8BD299D2C05" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RefiningAndMarketingCosts_957B7F2E3F9702251281A8BD299D3FA0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseOperatingExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeaseOperatingExpense_A9D90E9F981B837BDF21A8BD299D6E1B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_3FE0AD745FFC631C27B0A8BD299D2C05" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LeaseOperatingExpense_A9D90E9F981B837BDF21A8BD299D6E1B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShippingHandlingAndTransportationCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShippingHandlingAndTransportationCosts_3132FFFE3C634863D51FA8BD299D1A49" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_3FE0AD745FFC631C27B0A8BD299D2C05" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShippingHandlingAndTransportationCosts_3132FFFE3C634863D51FA8BD299D1A49" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GasGatheringTransportationMarketingAndProcessingCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GasGatheringTransportationMarketingAndProcessingCosts_2BD5033C06F6874FF690A8BD299DC4B5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_3FE0AD745FFC631C27B0A8BD299D2C05" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GasGatheringTransportationMarketingAndProcessingCosts_2BD5033C06F6874FF690A8BD299DC4B5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_A9363FDCCC9EE1F2F5F7A8BD299DCB77" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_3FE0AD745FFC631C27B0A8BD299D2C05" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_A9363FDCCC9EE1F2F5F7A8BD299DCB77" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductionTaxExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductionTaxExpense_A9A6F1A9580B4CF9524CA8BD299EEDBB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_3FE0AD745FFC631C27B0A8BD299D2C05" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductionTaxExpense_A9A6F1A9580B4CF9524CA8BD299EEDBB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_F808845E377071D3127DA8BD299EC723" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_3FE0AD745FFC631C27B0A8BD299D2C05" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_F808845E377071D3127DA8BD299EC723" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExplorationExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ExplorationExpense_696E23202D905A043839A8BD299E44F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_3FE0AD745FFC631C27B0A8BD299D2C05" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ExplorationExpense_696E23202D905A043839A8BD299E44F8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_0067ED7B20610E0E29DBA8BD299EDDDE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_3FE0AD745FFC631C27B0A8BD299D2C05" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_0067ED7B20610E0E29DBA8BD299EDDDE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingExpenses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpenses_9A455AF83C4EF18BBB28A8BD299E5C90" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_3FE0AD745FFC631C27B0A8BD299D2C05" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpenses_9A455AF83C4EF18BBB28A8BD299E5C90" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment_5DE177DBCF7BAB0F962EA8BD299E8C56" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_44B0017A2EDE9155672BA8BD299DA3F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment_5DE177DBCF7BAB0F962EA8BD299E8C56" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_192729399DC84474EFD6A8BD299E87E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_44B0017A2EDE9155672BA8BD299DA3F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_192729399DC84474EFD6A8BD299E87E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainOnDerivativeInstrumentsPretax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainOnDerivativeInstrumentsPretax_EFA409EFB73192DCCBF5A8BD299EBD6F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_44B0017A2EDE9155672BA8BD299DA3F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainOnDerivativeInstrumentsPretax_EFA409EFB73192DCCBF5A8BD299EBD6F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestIncomeOperating" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeOperating_95B4B41B70A10DC77761A8BD299E8FAA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_44B0017A2EDE9155672BA8BD299DA3F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeOperating_95B4B41B70A10DC77761A8BD299E8FAA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_2B320DFF4E2E47D4557FA8BD299E514A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_44B0017A2EDE9155672BA8BD299DA3F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_2B320DFF4E2E47D4557FA8BD299E514A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_3FB3D695907DB554A54EA8BD299EF39E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_44B0017A2EDE9155672BA8BD299DA3F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_3FB3D695907DB554A54EA8BD299EF39E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_4BF218BD71155BD76A9DA8BD299EB2A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_44B0017A2EDE9155672BA8BD299DA3F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_4BF218BD71155BD76A9DA8BD299EB2A3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_A703BF094C2ECCA67DB1A8BD299E8CF1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_44B0017A2EDE9155672BA8BD299DA3F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_A703BF094C2ECCA67DB1A8BD299E8CF1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_54CD21D3839815863491A8BD299E8871" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_44B0017A2EDE9155672BA8BD299DA3F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_54CD21D3839815863491A8BD299E8871" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_BAF831DAB21912871BF2A8BD299E65BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_44B0017A2EDE9155672BA8BD299DA3F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_BAF831DAB21912871BF2A8BD299E65BA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax_4849E658779163593091A8BD299E8475" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_44B0017A2EDE9155672BA8BD299DA3F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax_4849E658779163593091A8BD299E8475" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_0840FD530D3684703FF2A8BD299E57BC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_44B0017A2EDE9155672BA8BD299DA3F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_0840FD530D3684703FF2A8BD299E57BC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_BE28983DB9F43D284DB9A8BD299EAFDB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_44B0017A2EDE9155672BA8BD299DA3F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_BE28983DB9F43D284DB9A8BD299EAFDB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_AEEC6B5134926C4693ECA8BD299EB8C5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_BE28983DB9F43D284DB9A8BD299EAFDB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_AEEC6B5134926C4693ECA8BD299EB8C5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_DEF822DEFB248D5CA2E3A8BD299F7D04" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_BE28983DB9F43D284DB9A8BD299EAFDB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_DEF822DEFB248D5CA2E3A8BD299F7D04" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract_E540676A3562AD3B0422A8BD299F6F15" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_44B0017A2EDE9155672BA8BD299DA3F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract_E540676A3562AD3B0422A8BD299F6F15" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_BF80B2AC1761DFC5B560A8BD299FD5EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract_E540676A3562AD3B0422A8BD299F6F15" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_BF80B2AC1761DFC5B560A8BD299FD5EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_27901A0D0CB7114B0C10A8BD299F7CF8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract_E540676A3562AD3B0422A8BD299F6F15" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_27901A0D0CB7114B0C10A8BD299F7CF8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_EB7CC0C41EABA2C5A4F5A8BD299F7CF6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_44B0017A2EDE9155672BA8BD299DA3F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_EB7CC0C41EABA2C5A4F5A8BD299F7CF6" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/Debt" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/DebtNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_22A258BB0801034D80E7B6F9CA49B602" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_E9FAEB48F93D7187F548B6F9CA49E8B5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_22A258BB0801034D80E7B6F9CA49B602" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_E9FAEB48F93D7187F548B6F9CA49E8B5" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_31A89537844791D7770BB6F9CA491141" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_E9FAEB48F93D7187F548B6F9CA49E8B5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_31A89537844791D7770BB6F9CA491141" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_2F68F68B8FB5B2B832AEB6F9CA49CF12_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_31A89537844791D7770BB6F9CA491141" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_2F68F68B8FB5B2B832AEB6F9CA49CF12_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_2F68F68B8FB5B2B832AEB6F9CA49CF12" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_31A89537844791D7770BB6F9CA491141" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_2F68F68B8FB5B2B832AEB6F9CA49CF12" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember_4A4B6ADC03429A674E43B6F9CA496EF2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_2F68F68B8FB5B2B832AEB6F9CA49CF12" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember_4A4B6ADC03429A674E43B6F9CA496EF2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_TermLoanDue2017Member" xlink:label="loc_qep_TermLoanDue2017Member_16DD39807EF3AEC43A72B6F9CA4950ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_2F68F68B8FB5B2B832AEB6F9CA49CF12" xlink:to="loc_qep_TermLoanDue2017Member_16DD39807EF3AEC43A72B6F9CA4950ED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_SeniorNotesDue2016Member" xlink:label="loc_qep_SeniorNotesDue2016Member_BD403F8DCFF1E2668313B6F9CA496583" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_2F68F68B8FB5B2B832AEB6F9CA49CF12" xlink:to="loc_qep_SeniorNotesDue2016Member_BD403F8DCFF1E2668313B6F9CA496583" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_SeniorNotesDue2018Member" xlink:label="loc_qep_SeniorNotesDue2018Member_F139B45FE2F8029A6EB7B6F9CA4922BC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_2F68F68B8FB5B2B832AEB6F9CA49CF12" xlink:to="loc_qep_SeniorNotesDue2018Member_F139B45FE2F8029A6EB7B6F9CA4922BC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_510AB46EC9FC17BF941FB6F9CA498BB4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_22A258BB0801034D80E7B6F9CA49B602" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_510AB46EC9FC17BF941FB6F9CA498BB4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate_B3E8639426D66C70DF00B6F9CA49A141" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_22A258BB0801034D80E7B6F9CA49B602" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate_B3E8639426D66C70DF00B6F9CA49A141" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_DebtMaturityPeriod" xlink:label="loc_qep_DebtMaturityPeriod_DA74189FFD6088A5AB6FB6F9CA496CC8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_22A258BB0801034D80E7B6F9CA49B602" xlink:to="loc_qep_DebtMaturityPeriod_DA74189FFD6088A5AB6FB6F9CA496CC8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_B2A4F14DDFD299B0C3C6B6F9CA4902C5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_22A258BB0801034D80E7B6F9CA49B602" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_B2A4F14DDFD299B0C3C6B6F9CA4902C5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtWeightedAverageInterestRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtWeightedAverageInterestRate_81AD3A426132A01BF777B6F9CA493FF0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_22A258BB0801034D80E7B6F9CA49B602" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtWeightedAverageInterestRate_81AD3A426132A01BF777B6F9CA493FF0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_C8A71B1AFC4019C4F1C2B6F9CA4A7BB0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_22A258BB0801034D80E7B6F9CA49B602" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_C8A71B1AFC4019C4F1C2B6F9CA4A7BB0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_EA12E0A9E7AEFC4F9D21B6F9CA4ABB4A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_22A258BB0801034D80E7B6F9CA49B602" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_EA12E0A9E7AEFC4F9D21B6F9CA4ABB4A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCredit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCredit_68164C92326C97497DAAB6F9CA4A16FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_22A258BB0801034D80E7B6F9CA49B602" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCredit_68164C92326C97497DAAB6F9CA4A16FF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeniorNotes" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeniorNotes_042A35A1F631C842F3F8B6F9CA4AEED6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_22A258BB0801034D80E7B6F9CA49B602" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeniorNotes_042A35A1F631C842F3F8B6F9CA4AEED6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDateRangeStart1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDateRangeStart1_09C239294CCBA25FBF2AB6F9CA4A06E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_22A258BB0801034D80E7B6F9CA49B602" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDateRangeStart1_09C239294CCBA25FBF2AB6F9CA4A06E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDateRangeEnd1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDateRangeEnd1_E963A44D05EDB4BB91B9B6F9CA4AAA2B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_22A258BB0801034D80E7B6F9CA49B602" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDateRangeEnd1_E963A44D05EDB4BB91B9B6F9CA4AAA2B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentageRateRangeMinimum" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentageRateRangeMinimum_D1897D2F7AF1C64182BAB6F9CA4A16E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_22A258BB0801034D80E7B6F9CA49B602" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentageRateRangeMinimum_D1897D2F7AF1C64182BAB6F9CA4A16E4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentageRateRangeMaximum" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentageRateRangeMaximum_FA9F2114D22F699435A9B6F9CA4A398F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_22A258BB0801034D80E7B6F9CA49B602" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentageRateRangeMaximum_FA9F2114D22F699435A9B6F9CA4A398F" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/DebtScheduleOfDebtInstrumentsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_E071DDA671FD9477AA0AA79D211B59A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_F28895EC6D7A2BC31182A79D211A1159" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_E071DDA671FD9477AA0AA79D211B59A5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_F28895EC6D7A2BC31182A79D211A1159" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_1788BF8C30DDD236F1B2A79D211A0ABB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_F28895EC6D7A2BC31182A79D211A1159" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_1788BF8C30DDD236F1B2A79D211A0ABB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_1D2816031AADB8C78AC5A79D211B5A0F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_1788BF8C30DDD236F1B2A79D211A0ABB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_1D2816031AADB8C78AC5A79D211B5A0F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_1D2816031AADB8C78AC5A79D211B5A0F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_1788BF8C30DDD236F1B2A79D211A0ABB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_1D2816031AADB8C78AC5A79D211B5A0F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember_C6ACDCE60652E6C9A0DEA79D211BEE8E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_1D2816031AADB8C78AC5A79D211B5A0F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember_C6ACDCE60652E6C9A0DEA79D211BEE8E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_TermLoanDue2017Member" xlink:label="loc_qep_TermLoanDue2017Member_13E7AE470C726166EB25A79D211B2B6C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_1D2816031AADB8C78AC5A79D211B5A0F" xlink:to="loc_qep_TermLoanDue2017Member_13E7AE470C726166EB25A79D211B2B6C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_SeniorNotesDue2016Member" xlink:label="loc_qep_SeniorNotesDue2016Member_A35F6F30493F2C3B472FA79D211BE519" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_1D2816031AADB8C78AC5A79D211B5A0F" xlink:to="loc_qep_SeniorNotesDue2016Member_A35F6F30493F2C3B472FA79D211BE519" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_SeniorNotesDue2018Member" xlink:label="loc_qep_SeniorNotesDue2018Member_549E70E8D4CB386499E4A79D211B730F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_1D2816031AADB8C78AC5A79D211B5A0F" xlink:to="loc_qep_SeniorNotesDue2018Member_549E70E8D4CB386499E4A79D211B730F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_SeniorNotesDue2020Member" xlink:label="loc_qep_SeniorNotesDue2020Member_730011D9BD89E2EBD4CAA79D211B9410" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_1D2816031AADB8C78AC5A79D211B5A0F" xlink:to="loc_qep_SeniorNotesDue2020Member_730011D9BD89E2EBD4CAA79D211B9410" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_SeniorNotesDue2021Member" xlink:label="loc_qep_SeniorNotesDue2021Member_0AA1AAB0844C95E70E8CA79D211BA1EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_1D2816031AADB8C78AC5A79D211B5A0F" xlink:to="loc_qep_SeniorNotesDue2021Member_0AA1AAB0844C95E70E8CA79D211BA1EF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_SeniorNotesDue2022Member" xlink:label="loc_qep_SeniorNotesDue2022Member_4BD724ACDA2AC5CD5ACEA79D211B1EBD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_1D2816031AADB8C78AC5A79D211B5A0F" xlink:to="loc_qep_SeniorNotesDue2022Member_4BD724ACDA2AC5CD5ACEA79D211B1EBD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_A525SeniorNotesDue2023Member" xlink:label="loc_qep_A525SeniorNotesDue2023Member_3396EA53856302D555EFA79D211B246F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_1D2816031AADB8C78AC5A79D211B5A0F" xlink:to="loc_qep_A525SeniorNotesDue2023Member_3396EA53856302D555EFA79D211B246F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_CE130803CDD0D81B149DA79D211B484B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_E071DDA671FD9477AA0AA79D211B59A5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_CE130803CDD0D81B149DA79D211B484B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount_0943F80BD75797D6BDE5A79D21203714" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_E071DDA671FD9477AA0AA79D211B59A5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount_0943F80BD75797D6BDE5A79D21203714" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_DF9ABCE4CE6559A5C40BA79D2120E1CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_E071DDA671FD9477AA0AA79D211B59A5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_DF9ABCE4CE6559A5C40BA79D2120E1CB" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/DebtTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/DerivativeContracts" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/DerivativeContractsGainLossInStatementOfFinancialPerformanceDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_5176827E4DDD7E5E3272BC571629D4D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_AF58F004E4324BB3DBFABC571628A83E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_5176827E4DDD7E5E3272BC571629D4D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_AF58F004E4324BB3DBFABC571628A83E" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_7D035E6EDFF7157B9FE2BC5716288EF2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_AF58F004E4324BB3DBFABC571628A83E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_7D035E6EDFF7157B9FE2BC5716288EF2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_FAABCA158CDF7B8E1004BC571628B68A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_7D035E6EDFF7157B9FE2BC5716288EF2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_FAABCA158CDF7B8E1004BC571628B68A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_FAABCA158CDF7B8E1004BC571628B68A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_7D035E6EDFF7157B9FE2BC5716288EF2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_FAABCA158CDF7B8E1004BC571628B68A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_NaturalGasDerivativeContractsMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_NaturalGasDerivativeContractsMember_844400A4EB9C89499BBFBC5716289F7D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_FAABCA158CDF7B8E1004BC571628B68A" xlink:to="loc_qep_NaturalGasDerivativeContractsMember_844400A4EB9C89499BBFBC5716289F7D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_NglDerivativeContractsMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_NglDerivativeContractsMember_B4C1F79CAF1DC5504EF4BC5716283819" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_FAABCA158CDF7B8E1004BC571628B68A" xlink:to="loc_qep_NglDerivativeContractsMember_B4C1F79CAF1DC5504EF4BC5716283819" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_OilDerivativeContractsMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_OilDerivativeContractsMember_07C884658A92D89D09AFBC5716285E9E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_FAABCA158CDF7B8E1004BC571628B68A" xlink:to="loc_qep_OilDerivativeContractsMember_07C884658A92D89D09AFBC5716285E9E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_905F08A373504834EDFABC571628BD53" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_FAABCA158CDF7B8E1004BC571628B68A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_905F08A373504834EDFABC571628BD53" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_E3F5361D7F4261113790BC5716280C00" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_AF58F004E4324BB3DBFABC571628A83E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_E3F5361D7F4261113790BC5716280C00" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_F7C4B1FBA778574CBC66BC571628F802_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_E3F5361D7F4261113790BC5716280C00" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_F7C4B1FBA778574CBC66BC571628F802_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_F7C4B1FBA778574CBC66BC571628F802" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_E3F5361D7F4261113790BC5716280C00" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_F7C4B1FBA778574CBC66BC571628F802" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_RealizedAndUnrealizedGainsOnCommodityDerivativeInstrumentsMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_RealizedAndUnrealizedGainsOnCommodityDerivativeInstrumentsMember_322614DA1C9AD251FAA5BC571628270A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_F7C4B1FBA778574CBC66BC571628F802" xlink:to="loc_qep_RealizedAndUnrealizedGainsOnCommodityDerivativeInstrumentsMember_322614DA1C9AD251FAA5BC571628270A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_RealizedAndUnrealizedGainsLossesOnInterestRateSwapsMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_RealizedAndUnrealizedGainsLossesOnInterestRateSwapsMember_E1C3E265B3E8B4A136ECBC630CD6C727" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_F7C4B1FBA778574CBC66BC571628F802" xlink:to="loc_qep_RealizedAndUnrealizedGainsLossesOnInterestRateSwapsMember_E1C3E265B3E8B4A136ECBC630CD6C727" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_71CE2A373FA21B905C02BC571628CDD8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_AF58F004E4324BB3DBFABC571628A83E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_71CE2A373FA21B905C02BC571628CDD8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_0402A91164EEA62CDF8DBC5716289D20_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_71CE2A373FA21B905C02BC571628CDD8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_0402A91164EEA62CDF8DBC5716289D20_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_0402A91164EEA62CDF8DBC5716289D20" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_71CE2A373FA21B905C02BC571628CDD8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_0402A91164EEA62CDF8DBC5716289D20" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_QepEnergyMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_QepEnergyMember_0DB2163F6DA5C12891B8BC57162863D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_0402A91164EEA62CDF8DBC5716289D20" xlink:to="loc_qep_QepEnergyMember_0DB2163F6DA5C12891B8BC57162863D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_QepMarketingMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_QepMarketingMember_A6604046FA75449187C1BC571629CD0A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_0402A91164EEA62CDF8DBC5716289D20" xlink:to="loc_qep_QepMarketingMember_A6604046FA75449187C1BC571629CD0A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_RealizedGainLossOnCommodityDerivativeContractsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstruments" xlink:label="loc_qep_RealizedGainLossOnCommodityDerivativeContractsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstruments_EFDFD13339AF5D1C4BE1BC5716293482" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_5176827E4DDD7E5E3272BC571629D4D4" xlink:to="loc_qep_RealizedGainLossOnCommodityDerivativeContractsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstruments_EFDFD13339AF5D1C4BE1BC5716293482" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_UnrealizedGainLossOnCommodityDerivativeContractsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstruments" xlink:label="loc_qep_UnrealizedGainLossOnCommodityDerivativeContractsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstruments_2D60C79E9E2186C1EE1EBC5716297F26" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_5176827E4DDD7E5E3272BC571629D4D4" xlink:to="loc_qep_UnrealizedGainLossOnCommodityDerivativeContractsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstruments_2D60C79E9E2186C1EE1EBC5716297F26" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_RealizedAndUnrealizedGainLossOnCommodityDerivativeContractsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstruments" xlink:label="loc_qep_RealizedAndUnrealizedGainLossOnCommodityDerivativeContractsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstruments_EE5B4CB184B2647BDC50BC571629FF7F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_5176827E4DDD7E5E3272BC571629D4D4" xlink:to="loc_qep_RealizedAndUnrealizedGainLossOnCommodityDerivativeContractsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstruments_EE5B4CB184B2647BDC50BC571629FF7F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_RealizedGainLossDerivativeContractsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstruments" xlink:label="loc_qep_RealizedGainLossDerivativeContractsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstruments_BEB3ECFEA2A9C07A596BBC571629D65D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_5176827E4DDD7E5E3272BC571629D4D4" xlink:to="loc_qep_RealizedGainLossDerivativeContractsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstruments_BEB3ECFEA2A9C07A596BBC571629D65D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_UnrealizedGainLossDerivativeContractsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstruments" xlink:label="loc_qep_UnrealizedGainLossDerivativeContractsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstruments_D2355D240F4CFD7FAF3ABC571629F9EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_5176827E4DDD7E5E3272BC571629D4D4" xlink:to="loc_qep_UnrealizedGainLossDerivativeContractsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstruments_D2355D240F4CFD7FAF3ABC571629F9EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet_97F99FCDB99F146496D8BC5716296A3F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_5176827E4DDD7E5E3272BC571629D4D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet_97F99FCDB99F146496D8BC5716296A3F" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/DerivativeContractsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_4C5F2E9DF8894B687AE4B6F9CA6F1ED7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_EE2D70A493F9FCFCA353B6F9CA6F8802" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_4C5F2E9DF8894B687AE4B6F9CA6F1ED7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_EE2D70A493F9FCFCA353B6F9CA6F8802" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_TermLoanTrancheAxis" xlink:label="loc_qep_TermLoanTrancheAxis_CA9D26750C54F2E5312BB6F9CA6F99F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_EE2D70A493F9FCFCA353B6F9CA6F8802" xlink:to="loc_qep_TermLoanTrancheAxis_CA9D26750C54F2E5312BB6F9CA6F99F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_TermLoanTrancheDomain" xlink:label="loc_qep_TermLoanTrancheDomain_66729B7D870D9E7B3CADB6F9CA6F43B7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_qep_TermLoanTrancheAxis_CA9D26750C54F2E5312BB6F9CA6F99F3" xlink:to="loc_qep_TermLoanTrancheDomain_66729B7D870D9E7B3CADB6F9CA6F43B7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_TermLoanTrancheDomain" xlink:label="loc_qep_TermLoanTrancheDomain_66729B7D870D9E7B3CADB6F9CA6F43B7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_qep_TermLoanTrancheAxis_CA9D26750C54F2E5312BB6F9CA6F99F3" xlink:to="loc_qep_TermLoanTrancheDomain_66729B7D870D9E7B3CADB6F9CA6F43B7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_FirstTermLoanTrancheMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_FirstTermLoanTrancheMember_A49BDB3326A33D98A652B6F9CA6FBE71" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_TermLoanTrancheDomain_66729B7D870D9E7B3CADB6F9CA6F43B7" xlink:to="loc_qep_FirstTermLoanTrancheMember_A49BDB3326A33D98A652B6F9CA6FBE71" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_SecondTermLoanTrancheMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_SecondTermLoanTrancheMember_03A3EA5ECED2ACE6B095B6F9CA6FF574" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_TermLoanTrancheDomain_66729B7D870D9E7B3CADB6F9CA6F43B7" xlink:to="loc_qep_SecondTermLoanTrancheMember_03A3EA5ECED2ACE6B095B6F9CA6FF574" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_E3BA67F52FFD57BB2077B6F9CA6FEBAD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_EE2D70A493F9FCFCA353B6F9CA6F8802" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_E3BA67F52FFD57BB2077B6F9CA6FEBAD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_AEBD2C16E5DFBECCEEC9B6F9CA6FB0AF_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_E3BA67F52FFD57BB2077B6F9CA6FEBAD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_AEBD2C16E5DFBECCEEC9B6F9CA6FB0AF_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_AEBD2C16E5DFBECCEEC9B6F9CA6FB0AF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_E3BA67F52FFD57BB2077B6F9CA6FEBAD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_AEBD2C16E5DFBECCEEC9B6F9CA6FB0AF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_886B36AA51089B0BB7A0B6F9CA6F58BE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_AEBD2C16E5DFBECCEEC9B6F9CA6FB0AF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_886B36AA51089B0BB7A0B6F9CA6F58BE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_75E21E498AE3CD50A14EB6F9CA6FEB00" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_EE2D70A493F9FCFCA353B6F9CA6F8802" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_75E21E498AE3CD50A14EB6F9CA6FEB00" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_348AB9E11FBAE0284A37B6F9CA6F7ACC_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_75E21E498AE3CD50A14EB6F9CA6FEB00" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_348AB9E11FBAE0284A37B6F9CA6F7ACC_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_348AB9E11FBAE0284A37B6F9CA6F7ACC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_75E21E498AE3CD50A14EB6F9CA6FEB00" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_348AB9E11FBAE0284A37B6F9CA6F7ACC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_TermLoanDue2017Member" xlink:label="loc_qep_TermLoanDue2017Member_269097639525CE03A353B6F9CA6F4B59" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_348AB9E11FBAE0284A37B6F9CA6F7ACC" xlink:to="loc_qep_TermLoanDue2017Member_269097639525CE03A353B6F9CA6F4B59" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_MaximumForecastedProductionCoveredByDerivatives" xlink:label="loc_qep_MaximumForecastedProductionCoveredByDerivatives_3B88D40F700AFF05EB48B6F9CA6FB204" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_4C5F2E9DF8894B687AE4B6F9CA6F1ED7" xlink:to="loc_qep_MaximumForecastedProductionCoveredByDerivatives_3B88D40F700AFF05EB48B6F9CA6FB204" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_625C7C8C5A40CA2F2D73B86CB37B0D79" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_4C5F2E9DF8894B687AE4B6F9CA6F1ED7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_625C7C8C5A40CA2F2D73B86CB37B0D79" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityNotionalAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityNotionalAmount_4DB848F6B3D1A5A51195B6F9CA6FDCB4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_4C5F2E9DF8894B687AE4B6F9CA6F1ED7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityNotionalAmount_4DB848F6B3D1A5A51195B6F9CA6FDCB4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate_796FA9DA2651DA483890B6F9CA7023C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_4C5F2E9DF8894B687AE4B6F9CA6F1ED7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate_796FA9DA2651DA483890B6F9CA7023C4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_EffectiveinterestRateBeforeImpactofDerivatives" xlink:label="loc_qep_EffectiveinterestRateBeforeImpactofDerivatives_8ED181968252E856B0AFB6F9CA7026E3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_4C5F2E9DF8894B687AE4B6F9CA6F1ED7" xlink:to="loc_qep_EffectiveinterestRateBeforeImpactofDerivatives_8ED181968252E856B0AFB6F9CA7026E3" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/DerivativeContractsScheduleOfCommodityDerivativeContractsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_4386B6D08874816300D8B6F9CA6AB549" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_F49D2D0C35E295E61FC0B6F9CA6813F1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_4386B6D08874816300D8B6F9CA6AB549" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_F49D2D0C35E295E61FC0B6F9CA6813F1" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EnergyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EnergyAxis_72F73A2FBFC518E83175B6F9CA686537" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_F49D2D0C35E295E61FC0B6F9CA6813F1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EnergyAxis_72F73A2FBFC518E83175B6F9CA686537" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EnergyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EnergyDomain_1BE83022C22A0CC64979B6F9CA6816AC_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EnergyAxis_72F73A2FBFC518E83175B6F9CA686537" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EnergyDomain_1BE83022C22A0CC64979B6F9CA6816AC_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EnergyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EnergyDomain_1BE83022C22A0CC64979B6F9CA6816AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EnergyAxis_72F73A2FBFC518E83175B6F9CA686537" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EnergyDomain_1BE83022C22A0CC64979B6F9CA6816AC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_NaturalGasSalesMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_NaturalGasSalesMember_E7D8AE1C0631DB481120B6F9CA685E78" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EnergyDomain_1BE83022C22A0CC64979B6F9CA6816AC" xlink:to="loc_qep_NaturalGasSalesMember_E7D8AE1C0631DB481120B6F9CA685E78" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_PurchasedGasAndOilExpenseMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_PurchasedGasAndOilExpenseMember_F684463A5B0B4257B719B6F9CA698AE2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EnergyDomain_1BE83022C22A0CC64979B6F9CA6816AC" xlink:to="loc_qep_PurchasedGasAndOilExpenseMember_F684463A5B0B4257B719B6F9CA698AE2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_CrudeOilSalesCostlessCollarsMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_CrudeOilSalesCostlessCollarsMember_3768B6A36124AB5A5313B8073EEBB6E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EnergyDomain_1BE83022C22A0CC64979B6F9CA6816AC" xlink:to="loc_qep_CrudeOilSalesCostlessCollarsMember_3768B6A36124AB5A5313B8073EEBB6E7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_OilBasisSwapsMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_OilBasisSwapsMember_04CF1A00482839883F0CB807C6CB329B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EnergyDomain_1BE83022C22A0CC64979B6F9CA6816AC" xlink:to="loc_qep_OilBasisSwapsMember_04CF1A00482839883F0CB807C6CB329B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_OilSalesMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_OilSalesMember_09D8EF89ECAAB07CDCFFB832A8C9B4AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EnergyDomain_1BE83022C22A0CC64979B6F9CA6816AC" xlink:to="loc_qep_OilSalesMember_09D8EF89ECAAB07CDCFFB832A8C9B4AB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_D096EFC0C3D09DB34C0AB6F9CA69E2C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_F49D2D0C35E295E61FC0B6F9CA6813F1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_D096EFC0C3D09DB34C0AB6F9CA69E2C7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_981C219605A6FD12730AB6F9CA69C0BD_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_D096EFC0C3D09DB34C0AB6F9CA69E2C7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_981C219605A6FD12730AB6F9CA69C0BD_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_981C219605A6FD12730AB6F9CA69C0BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_D096EFC0C3D09DB34C0AB6F9CA69E2C7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_981C219605A6FD12730AB6F9CA69C0BD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_QepEnergyMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_QepEnergyMember_C137C9D014FA280806B2B6F9CA69FAD2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_981C219605A6FD12730AB6F9CA69C0BD" xlink:to="loc_qep_QepEnergyMember_C137C9D014FA280806B2B6F9CA69FAD2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_QepMarketingMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_QepMarketingMember_3B0CDCBC62E00CC140E4B6F9CA695167" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_981C219605A6FD12730AB6F9CA69C0BD" xlink:to="loc_qep_QepMarketingMember_3B0CDCBC62E00CC140E4B6F9CA695167" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_DerivativeContractYearAxis" xlink:label="loc_qep_DerivativeContractYearAxis_3FCBA5D08CBE8D1325B0B6F9CA69F9ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_F49D2D0C35E295E61FC0B6F9CA6813F1" xlink:to="loc_qep_DerivativeContractYearAxis_3FCBA5D08CBE8D1325B0B6F9CA69F9ED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_DerivativeContractYearDomain" xlink:label="loc_qep_DerivativeContractYearDomain_7049E9AD9F1A107B1B1FB6F9CA694354_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_qep_DerivativeContractYearAxis_3FCBA5D08CBE8D1325B0B6F9CA69F9ED" xlink:to="loc_qep_DerivativeContractYearDomain_7049E9AD9F1A107B1B1FB6F9CA694354_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_DerivativeContractYearDomain" xlink:label="loc_qep_DerivativeContractYearDomain_7049E9AD9F1A107B1B1FB6F9CA694354" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_qep_DerivativeContractYearAxis_3FCBA5D08CBE8D1325B0B6F9CA69F9ED" xlink:to="loc_qep_DerivativeContractYearDomain_7049E9AD9F1A107B1B1FB6F9CA694354" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_Year2014Member" xlink:label="loc_qep_Year2014Member_C3583B1C267928FE6C12B81A1D489DB9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_DerivativeContractYearDomain_7049E9AD9F1A107B1B1FB6F9CA694354" xlink:to="loc_qep_Year2014Member_C3583B1C267928FE6C12B81A1D489DB9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_Year2015Member" xlink:label="loc_qep_Year2015Member_8048D1F219CB98DD789DB6F9CA69AD3B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_DerivativeContractYearDomain_7049E9AD9F1A107B1B1FB6F9CA694354" xlink:to="loc_qep_Year2015Member_8048D1F219CB98DD789DB6F9CA69AD3B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_Year2016Member" xlink:label="loc_qep_Year2016Member_C99AECBFDFF6347CDA72B80E2A109A5C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_DerivativeContractYearDomain_7049E9AD9F1A107B1B1FB6F9CA694354" xlink:to="loc_qep_Year2016Member_C99AECBFDFF6347CDA72B80E2A109A5C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_EnergyCommoditiesExchangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_qep_EnergyCommoditiesExchangeAxis_0C3485DBC4B9E80128A0B6F9CA69A8E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_F49D2D0C35E295E61FC0B6F9CA6813F1" xlink:to="loc_qep_EnergyCommoditiesExchangeAxis_0C3485DBC4B9E80128A0B6F9CA69A8E4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_EnergyCommoditiesExchangeAbbreviationDomain" xlink:label="loc_qep_EnergyCommoditiesExchangeAbbreviationDomain_B1D4E4A643BE0DC5D521B6F9CA698643_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_qep_EnergyCommoditiesExchangeAxis_0C3485DBC4B9E80128A0B6F9CA69A8E4" xlink:to="loc_qep_EnergyCommoditiesExchangeAbbreviationDomain_B1D4E4A643BE0DC5D521B6F9CA698643_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_EnergyCommoditiesExchangeAbbreviationDomain" xlink:label="loc_qep_EnergyCommoditiesExchangeAbbreviationDomain_B1D4E4A643BE0DC5D521B6F9CA698643" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_qep_EnergyCommoditiesExchangeAxis_0C3485DBC4B9E80128A0B6F9CA69A8E4" xlink:to="loc_qep_EnergyCommoditiesExchangeAbbreviationDomain_B1D4E4A643BE0DC5D521B6F9CA698643" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_NYMEXWTIlessLLSDifferentialMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_NYMEXWTIlessLLSDifferentialMember_3227BC0AE47EF5004A1FB8163CBF6CE5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_EnergyCommoditiesExchangeAbbreviationDomain_B1D4E4A643BE0DC5D521B6F9CA698643" xlink:to="loc_qep_NYMEXWTIlessLLSDifferentialMember_3227BC0AE47EF5004A1FB8163CBF6CE5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_NymexMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_NymexMember_371E37BF79C8689F2918B6F9CA6989B3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_EnergyCommoditiesExchangeAbbreviationDomain_B1D4E4A643BE0DC5D521B6F9CA698643" xlink:to="loc_qep_NymexMember_371E37BF79C8689F2918B6F9CA6989B3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_IfnpcrMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_IfnpcrMember_D7BA105FE0CC40084DF8B6F9CA69DDC0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_EnergyCommoditiesExchangeAbbreviationDomain_B1D4E4A643BE0DC5D521B6F9CA698643" xlink:to="loc_qep_IfnpcrMember_D7BA105FE0CC40084DF8B6F9CA69DDC0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_NymexWtiMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_NymexWtiMember_D926399233C7B9C3E6B2B6F9CA691CF0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_EnergyCommoditiesExchangeAbbreviationDomain_B1D4E4A643BE0DC5D521B6F9CA698643" xlink:to="loc_qep_NymexWtiMember_D926399233C7B9C3E6B2B6F9CA691CF0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_BrentIceMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_BrentIceMember_7587ACC16C77E17B22EAB832AD34AB60" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_EnergyCommoditiesExchangeAbbreviationDomain_B1D4E4A643BE0DC5D521B6F9CA698643" xlink:to="loc_qep_BrentIceMember_7587ACC16C77E17B22EAB832AD34AB60" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_DerivativeContractYear" xlink:label="loc_qep_DerivativeContractYear_45AD93C20ABCF72A3EF9B6F9CA6A8018" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_4386B6D08874816300D8B6F9CA6AB549" xlink:to="loc_qep_DerivativeContractYear_45AD93C20ABCF72A3EF9B6F9CA6A8018" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeUnderlyingBasis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeUnderlyingBasis_34B2D26A1A5F2BF0C297B6F9CA6AF460" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_4386B6D08874816300D8B6F9CA6AB549" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeUnderlyingBasis_34B2D26A1A5F2BF0C297B6F9CA6AF460" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_DerivativeNonmonetaryNotionalAmount" xlink:label="loc_invest_DerivativeNonmonetaryNotionalAmount_069EE2F23FC8A712D3A7B6F9CA6A898E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_4386B6D08874816300D8B6F9CA6AB549" xlink:to="loc_invest_DerivativeNonmonetaryNotionalAmount_069EE2F23FC8A712D3A7B6F9CA6A898E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnderlyingDerivativeAsset" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingDerivativeAsset_F87B8117B8473E4403FCB6F9CA6AAA1F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_4386B6D08874816300D8B6F9CA6AB549" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingDerivativeAsset_F87B8117B8473E4403FCB6F9CA6AAA1F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_DerivativeAveragePriceFloor" xlink:label="loc_qep_DerivativeAveragePriceFloor_FA0EF684FA02BAFF965EB8135C5830B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_4386B6D08874816300D8B6F9CA6AB549" xlink:to="loc_qep_DerivativeAveragePriceFloor_FA0EF684FA02BAFF965EB8135C5830B9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_DerivativeAveragePriceCeiling" xlink:label="loc_qep_DerivativeAveragePriceCeiling_90E621DB0D96A2BB20DDB8144B71BE81" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_4386B6D08874816300D8B6F9CA6AB549" xlink:to="loc_qep_DerivativeAveragePriceCeiling_90E621DB0D96A2BB20DDB8144B71BE81" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/DerivativeContractsScheduleOfDerivativesFinancialStatementPresentationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_530E5DEF119DE870FE3DB6F9CA61BE25" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_3D1727FAD00C0BE91F09B6F9CA61E920" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_530E5DEF119DE870FE3DB6F9CA61BE25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_3D1727FAD00C0BE91F09B6F9CA61E920" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_A6AA9C09BC0A2AE0252EB6F9CA61F107" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_3D1727FAD00C0BE91F09B6F9CA61E920" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_A6AA9C09BC0A2AE0252EB6F9CA61F107" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_7268BF5DF2DF61F46180B6F9CA610003_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_A6AA9C09BC0A2AE0252EB6F9CA61F107" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_7268BF5DF2DF61F46180B6F9CA610003_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_7268BF5DF2DF61F46180B6F9CA610003" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_A6AA9C09BC0A2AE0252EB6F9CA61F107" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_7268BF5DF2DF61F46180B6F9CA610003" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_B50E50B686C02A2D38F0B6F9CA61D813" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_7268BF5DF2DF61F46180B6F9CA610003" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_B50E50B686C02A2D38F0B6F9CA61D813" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_ABFBDBEB76C7C59B1A3CB6F9CA6176E3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_3D1727FAD00C0BE91F09B6F9CA61E920" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_ABFBDBEB76C7C59B1A3CB6F9CA6176E3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_73056CCC9B1B9C4F7C68B6F9CA61E247_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_ABFBDBEB76C7C59B1A3CB6F9CA6176E3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_73056CCC9B1B9C4F7C68B6F9CA61E247_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_73056CCC9B1B9C4F7C68B6F9CA61E247" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_ABFBDBEB76C7C59B1A3CB6F9CA6176E3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_73056CCC9B1B9C4F7C68B6F9CA61E247" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_64D686E672A399B4392BB6F9CA61F428" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_73056CCC9B1B9C4F7C68B6F9CA61E247" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_64D686E672A399B4392BB6F9CA61F428" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_8AAB65D5CB0098F8D8B8B6F9CA61FF0A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_3D1727FAD00C0BE91F09B6F9CA61E920" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_8AAB65D5CB0098F8D8B8B6F9CA61FF0A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_59B39AE2AA0B89B1C75DB6F9CA614064_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_8AAB65D5CB0098F8D8B8B6F9CA61FF0A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_59B39AE2AA0B89B1C75DB6F9CA614064_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_59B39AE2AA0B89B1C75DB6F9CA614064" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_8AAB65D5CB0098F8D8B8B6F9CA61FF0A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_59B39AE2AA0B89B1C75DB6F9CA614064" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_E80B9C52C4088B22976AB6F9CA61D0CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_59B39AE2AA0B89B1C75DB6F9CA614064" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_E80B9C52C4088B22976AB6F9CA61D0CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommodityContractMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommodityContractMember_5D94BA7D717E2F80C8C0B6F9CA616468" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_59B39AE2AA0B89B1C75DB6F9CA614064" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommodityContractMember_5D94BA7D717E2F80C8C0B6F9CA616468" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_BF3C8C6AF5E497200168B6F9CA6136A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_3D1727FAD00C0BE91F09B6F9CA61E920" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_BF3C8C6AF5E497200168B6F9CA6136A9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_7E86ECFC5223E761C3B7B6F9CA618112_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_BF3C8C6AF5E497200168B6F9CA6136A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_7E86ECFC5223E761C3B7B6F9CA618112_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_7E86ECFC5223E761C3B7B6F9CA618112" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_BF3C8C6AF5E497200168B6F9CA6136A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_7E86ECFC5223E761C3B7B6F9CA618112" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_ShortTermMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_ShortTermMember_74FE6D474B3C6C8D7E32B6F9CA61E9E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_7E86ECFC5223E761C3B7B6F9CA618112" xlink:to="loc_qep_ShortTermMember_74FE6D474B3C6C8D7E32B6F9CA61E9E8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_LongTermMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_LongTermMember_519BC028604CA59C56EAB6F9CA617EB5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_7E86ECFC5223E761C3B7B6F9CA618112" xlink:to="loc_qep_LongTermMember_519BC028604CA59C56EAB6F9CA617EB5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_DF35CC3CA9FFC2781C7BB6F9CA62E6E3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_530E5DEF119DE870FE3DB6F9CA61BE25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_DF35CC3CA9FFC2781C7BB6F9CA62E6E3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_53735B8089DFCB36BCF5B6F9CA625BE9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_530E5DEF119DE870FE3DB6F9CA61BE25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_53735B8089DFCB36BCF5B6F9CA625BE9" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/DerivativeContractsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/DiscontinuedOperations" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/DiscontinuedOperationsAssetsAndLiabilitiesOfDiscontinuedOperationsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_841862C555F18C89241EA8BD290F98C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_A98C64EE80EF43AD73FDA8BD290FBD9F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_841862C555F18C89241EA8BD290F98C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_A98C64EE80EF43AD73FDA8BD290FBD9F" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_2FAA3B2B1DC6F30BD1C9A8BD290F3B2B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_A98C64EE80EF43AD73FDA8BD290FBD9F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_2FAA3B2B1DC6F30BD1C9A8BD290F3B2B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_7E9A4532A33D5757EFABA8BD290F31AA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_2FAA3B2B1DC6F30BD1C9A8BD290F3B2B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_7E9A4532A33D5757EFABA8BD290F31AA_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_7E9A4532A33D5757EFABA8BD290F31AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_2FAA3B2B1DC6F30BD1C9A8BD290F3B2B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_7E9A4532A33D5757EFABA8BD290F31AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_MidstreamBusinessHeldForSaleMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_MidstreamBusinessHeldForSaleMember_1C47DF9264ADAF27F588A8BD290FB8E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_7E9A4532A33D5757EFABA8BD290F31AA" xlink:to="loc_qep_MidstreamBusinessHeldForSaleMember_1C47DF9264ADAF27F588A8BD290FB8E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_307DCF9D081D3F2F91F5A8BD290FC8B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_841862C555F18C89241EA8BD290F98C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_307DCF9D081D3F2F91F5A8BD290FC8B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_99263DBFDCA646EB35E0A8BD2910DCE8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_841862C555F18C89241EA8BD290F98C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_99263DBFDCA646EB35E0A8BD2910DCE8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxesReceivable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxesReceivable_5D98AE7AB045A09BB96BA8BD2910A008" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_841862C555F18C89241EA8BD290F98C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxesReceivable_5D98AE7AB045A09BB96BA8BD2910A008" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNetCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNetCurrent_8FEBAD7972D4125567F7A8BD29107264" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_841862C555F18C89241EA8BD290F98C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNetCurrent_8FEBAD7972D4125567F7A8BD29107264" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_FA7A0068E43F63944B11A8BD2910A36F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_841862C555F18C89241EA8BD290F98C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_FA7A0068E43F63944B11A8BD2910A36F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationCurrent_4116FBC29FE5EEBEE265A8BD29101F7E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_841862C555F18C89241EA8BD290F98C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationCurrent_4116FBC29FE5EEBEE265A8BD29101F7E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_MidstreamFieldServicesProperty" xlink:label="loc_qep_MidstreamFieldServicesProperty_07FBB1054C2DF5BCD27FA8BD291067F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_841862C555F18C89241EA8BD290F98C9" xlink:to="loc_qep_MidstreamFieldServicesProperty_07FBB1054C2DF5BCD27FA8BD291067F8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryDrillingNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InventoryDrillingNoncurrent_0663359D0B7A626D9074A8BD2910640B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_841862C555F18C89241EA8BD290F98C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InventoryDrillingNoncurrent_0663359D0B7A626D9074A8BD2910640B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_F5736B7A0F82442358E6A8BD2910F7CC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_841862C555F18C89241EA8BD290F98C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_F5736B7A0F82442358E6A8BD2910F7CC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_AccumulatedDepreciationMidstreamFieldServices" xlink:label="loc_qep_AccumulatedDepreciationMidstreamFieldServices_D15F3173E37CCF160457A8BD29109CE1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_841862C555F18C89241EA8BD290F98C9" xlink:to="loc_qep_AccumulatedDepreciationMidstreamFieldServices_D15F3173E37CCF160457A8BD29109CE1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNoncurrent_E3012AE25C7DB525BF08A8BD2910E802" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_841862C555F18C89241EA8BD290F98C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNoncurrent_E3012AE25C7DB525BF08A8BD2910E802" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures_0931771B5E3F55FB112DA8BD2910E859" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_841862C555F18C89241EA8BD290F98C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures_0931771B5E3F55FB112DA8BD2910E859" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_07FA640D0F28643AB4F7A8BD29103190" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_841862C555F18C89241EA8BD290F98C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_07FA640D0F28643AB4F7A8BD29103190" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationLongLivedAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationLongLivedAssetsNoncurrent_30E41EE619AAEAD8C61EA8BD29100559" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_841862C555F18C89241EA8BD290F98C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationLongLivedAssetsNoncurrent_30E41EE619AAEAD8C61EA8BD29100559" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_45CA1909213A4D7BD0EDA8BD2910D4E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_841862C555F18C89241EA8BD290F98C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_45CA1909213A4D7BD0EDA8BD2910D4E4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccrualForTaxesOtherThanIncomeTaxesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccrualForTaxesOtherThanIncomeTaxesCurrent_0BE89D2F0CF14C063638A8BD291051BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_841862C555F18C89241EA8BD290F98C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccrualForTaxesOtherThanIncomeTaxesCurrent_0BE89D2F0CF14C063638A8BD291051BA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationCurrent_81E59286A7A10EBD8B69A8BD291018A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_841862C555F18C89241EA8BD290F98C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationCurrent_81E59286A7A10EBD8B69A8BD291018A8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent_BF85EFFF872DA5D97396A8BD29107C75" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_841862C555F18C89241EA8BD290F98C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent_BF85EFFF872DA5D97396A8BD29107C75" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationsNoncurrent_B6F424F91DA8F9FB5BFCA8BD2910B620" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_841862C555F18C89241EA8BD290F98C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationsNoncurrent_B6F424F91DA8F9FB5BFCA8BD2910B620" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_98CE38D3609AA8DD7F61A8BD291104D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_841862C555F18C89241EA8BD290F98C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_98CE38D3609AA8DD7F61A8BD291104D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationNoncurrent_E44D54D82CECD8A26706A8BD2911EC97" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="21" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_841862C555F18C89241EA8BD290F98C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationNoncurrent_E44D54D82CECD8A26706A8BD2911EC97" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/DiscontinuedOperationsIncomeStatementImpactOfDiscontinuedOperationsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_0FDF6BB0A7238BF1B7CBB6F9CA9FAA93" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_F4A05D40FA481460C907B6F9CA9F4E71" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_0FDF6BB0A7238BF1B7CBB6F9CA9FAA93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_F4A05D40FA481460C907B6F9CA9F4E71" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_F2D74555F9363F802D41B6F9CA9FF1ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_F4A05D40FA481460C907B6F9CA9F4E71" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_F2D74555F9363F802D41B6F9CA9FF1ED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_A49903129EB49D6D3B86B6F9CA9FDDDC_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_F2D74555F9363F802D41B6F9CA9FF1ED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_A49903129EB49D6D3B86B6F9CA9FDDDC_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_A49903129EB49D6D3B86B6F9CA9FDDDC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_F2D74555F9363F802D41B6F9CA9FF1ED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_A49903129EB49D6D3B86B6F9CA9FDDDC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_MidstreamBusinessHeldForSaleMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_MidstreamBusinessHeldForSaleMember_D35E55CE448952E42237B6F9CA9FF7D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_A49903129EB49D6D3B86B6F9CA9FDDDC" xlink:to="loc_qep_MidstreamBusinessHeldForSaleMember_D35E55CE448952E42237B6F9CA9FF7D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOilAndGasPropertyAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOilAndGasPropertyAndEquipment_9F5B7ACDB4ACB7866CBDB78B10971C20" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_0FDF6BB0A7238BF1B7CBB6F9CA9FAA93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOilAndGasPropertyAndEquipment_9F5B7ACDB4ACB7866CBDB78B10971C20" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NaturalGasMidstreamRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NaturalGasMidstreamRevenue_2670E084A2C0D036A987B6F9CA9F58B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_0FDF6BB0A7238BF1B7CBB6F9CA9FAA93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NaturalGasMidstreamRevenue_2670E084A2C0D036A987B6F9CA9F58B9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GasGatheringTransportationMarketingAndProcessingRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GasGatheringTransportationMarketingAndProcessingRevenue_808A2504BA78E1413C85B6F9CA9FE2FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_0FDF6BB0A7238BF1B7CBB6F9CA9FAA93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GasGatheringTransportationMarketingAndProcessingRevenue_808A2504BA78E1413C85B6F9CA9FE2FE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RefiningAndMarketingRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RefiningAndMarketingRevenue_218767D24E01097A44A3B6F9CA9F6175" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_0FDF6BB0A7238BF1B7CBB6F9CA9FAA93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RefiningAndMarketingRevenue_218767D24E01097A44A3B6F9CA9F6175" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OilAndGasRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasRevenue_3B8ECB6533D8C6EC55C0B6F9CA9FD2D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_0FDF6BB0A7238BF1B7CBB6F9CA9FAA93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasRevenue_3B8ECB6533D8C6EC55C0B6F9CA9FD2D5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RefiningAndMarketingCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RefiningAndMarketingCosts_00E59B7D94D59D8409B5B6F9CA9FD7DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_0FDF6BB0A7238BF1B7CBB6F9CA9FAA93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RefiningAndMarketingCosts_00E59B7D94D59D8409B5B6F9CA9FD7DC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseOperatingExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeaseOperatingExpense_3E91391A1CB9B1432B9BB6F9CA9F9EA5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_0FDF6BB0A7238BF1B7CBB6F9CA9FAA93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LeaseOperatingExpense_3E91391A1CB9B1432B9BB6F9CA9F9EA5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShippingHandlingAndTransportationCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShippingHandlingAndTransportationCosts_2802B8DD92FCB054C57CB6F9CA9F1CFD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_0FDF6BB0A7238BF1B7CBB6F9CA9FAA93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShippingHandlingAndTransportationCosts_2802B8DD92FCB054C57CB6F9CA9F1CFD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GasGatheringTransportationMarketingAndProcessingCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GasGatheringTransportationMarketingAndProcessingCosts_82D7102344FB9F94EA07B6F9CA9FA39B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_0FDF6BB0A7238BF1B7CBB6F9CA9FAA93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GasGatheringTransportationMarketingAndProcessingCosts_82D7102344FB9F94EA07B6F9CA9FA39B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_6093399B65746C849C14B6F9CAA09E79" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_0FDF6BB0A7238BF1B7CBB6F9CA9FAA93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_6093399B65746C849C14B6F9CAA09E79" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductionTaxExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductionTaxExpense_444438EC01364166A9F5B6F9CAA0243E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_0FDF6BB0A7238BF1B7CBB6F9CA9FAA93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductionTaxExpense_444438EC01364166A9F5B6F9CAA0243E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResultsOfOperationsDepreciationDepletionAmortizationAndAccretion" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResultsOfOperationsDepreciationDepletionAmortizationAndAccretion_9559B849222183FC67F5B6F9CAA0D6E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_0FDF6BB0A7238BF1B7CBB6F9CA9FAA93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResultsOfOperationsDepreciationDepletionAmortizationAndAccretion_9559B849222183FC67F5B6F9CAA0D6E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingExpenses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpenses_972D8C3BA6B84CC8E41BB6F9CAA0D7C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_0FDF6BB0A7238BF1B7CBB6F9CA9FAA93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpenses_972D8C3BA6B84CC8E41BB6F9CAA0D7C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment_44BF03A850CF578E48B8B6F9CAA04A5C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_0FDF6BB0A7238BF1B7CBB6F9CA9FAA93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment_44BF03A850CF578E48B8B6F9CAA04A5C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_BE8BC7CFB91E6A403B26B6F9CAA09ECA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_0FDF6BB0A7238BF1B7CBB6F9CA9FAA93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_BE8BC7CFB91E6A403B26B6F9CAA09ECA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainOnDerivativeInstrumentsPretax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainOnDerivativeInstrumentsPretax_451D2EAFD5A21DB2643EB6F9CAA09801" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_0FDF6BB0A7238BF1B7CBB6F9CA9FAA93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainOnDerivativeInstrumentsPretax_451D2EAFD5A21DB2643EB6F9CAA09801" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestIncomeOperating" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeOperating_07312088C30999C3EB48B6F9CAA09B66" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_0FDF6BB0A7238BF1B7CBB6F9CA9FAA93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeOperating_07312088C30999C3EB48B6F9CAA09B66" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_5BC4C2ACD1616911FED2B6F9CAA000F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_0FDF6BB0A7238BF1B7CBB6F9CA9FAA93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_5BC4C2ACD1616911FED2B6F9CAA000F6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_4D94A14AA4B2324086BCB6F9CAA0D8CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_0FDF6BB0A7238BF1B7CBB6F9CA9FAA93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_4D94A14AA4B2324086BCB6F9CAA0D8CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_8579C8266E46F5445F9BB6F9CAA0F886" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_0FDF6BB0A7238BF1B7CBB6F9CA9FAA93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_8579C8266E46F5445F9BB6F9CAA0F886" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationIncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationIncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax_B517195DF4DF2F1B137DB6F9CAA094A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="21" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_0FDF6BB0A7238BF1B7CBB6F9CA9FAA93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationIncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax_B517195DF4DF2F1B137DB6F9CAA094A8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationTaxEffectOfDiscontinuedOperation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationTaxEffectOfDiscontinuedOperation_EED5F0347F5137340A89B6F9CAA0FCF9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="22" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_0FDF6BB0A7238BF1B7CBB6F9CA9FAA93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationTaxEffectOfDiscontinuedOperation_EED5F0347F5137340A89B6F9CAA0FCF9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_NetIncomeFromDiscontinuedOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_qep_NetIncomeFromDiscontinuedOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_393A0393DDE14CF600F9B6F9CAA082AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="23" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_0FDF6BB0A7238BF1B7CBB6F9CA9FAA93" xlink:to="loc_qep_NetIncomeFromDiscontinuedOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_393A0393DDE14CF600F9B6F9CAA082AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_AE664D8349A957635412B6F9CAA0C135" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="24" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_0FDF6BB0A7238BF1B7CBB6F9CA9FAA93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_AE664D8349A957635412B6F9CAA0C135" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax_1305BDFB60BE416C9E8DB6F9CAA0D683" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="25" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_0FDF6BB0A7238BF1B7CBB6F9CA9FAA93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax_1305BDFB60BE416C9E8DB6F9CAA0D683" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossAttributableToParent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossAttributableToParent_F27FB64E12A720AED352B6F9CAA069A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="26" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_0FDF6BB0A7238BF1B7CBB6F9CA9FAA93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossAttributableToParent_F27FB64E12A720AED352B6F9CAA069A8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_OwnershipPercentage" xlink:label="loc_qep_OwnershipPercentage_C6FDEFA1A4792896CFE8B6F9CAA05AAD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="27" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_0FDF6BB0A7238BF1B7CBB6F9CA9FAA93" xlink:to="loc_qep_OwnershipPercentage_C6FDEFA1A4792896CFE8B6F9CAA05AAD" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/DiscontinuedOperationsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_34BB8C123B5313D460FFB6F9CAA590AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_BA66E61E552681C835DAB6F9CAA48BB7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_34BB8C123B5313D460FFB6F9CAA590AC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_BA66E61E552681C835DAB6F9CAA48BB7" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_9B2231AE1BC1BA4210A7B6F9CAA4E62A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_BA66E61E552681C835DAB6F9CAA48BB7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_9B2231AE1BC1BA4210A7B6F9CAA4E62A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_A5E6D460C2A4980242B2B6F9CAA461D9_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_9B2231AE1BC1BA4210A7B6F9CAA4E62A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_A5E6D460C2A4980242B2B6F9CAA461D9_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_A5E6D460C2A4980242B2B6F9CAA461D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_9B2231AE1BC1BA4210A7B6F9CAA4E62A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_A5E6D460C2A4980242B2B6F9CAA461D9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_MidstreamBusinessHeldForSaleMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_MidstreamBusinessHeldForSaleMember_48AD910C8E2E3488BC8CB6F9CAA5DAC3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_A5E6D460C2A4980242B2B6F9CAA461D9" xlink:to="loc_qep_MidstreamBusinessHeldForSaleMember_48AD910C8E2E3488BC8CB6F9CAA5DAC3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_ValueOfBusinessSold" xlink:label="loc_qep_ValueOfBusinessSold_4245AF40A2BC0613C33EB6F9CAA5A873" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_34BB8C123B5313D460FFB6F9CAA590AC" xlink:to="loc_qep_ValueOfBusinessSold_4245AF40A2BC0613C33EB6F9CAA5A873" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_DebtRefinancedInBusinessSale" xlink:label="loc_qep_DebtRefinancedInBusinessSale_BA5065FB4731C95EBDC4B6F9CAA5FCC3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_34BB8C123B5313D460FFB6F9CAA590AC" xlink:to="loc_qep_DebtRefinancedInBusinessSale_BA5065FB4731C95EBDC4B6F9CAA5FCC3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossFromDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossFromDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax_EEF0A96F6B8082F60762B6F9CAA592F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_34BB8C123B5313D460FFB6F9CAA590AC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossFromDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax_EEF0A96F6B8082F60762B6F9CAA592F6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_ContinuingCashFlowsToBusinessHeldForSale" xlink:label="loc_qep_ContinuingCashFlowsToBusinessHeldForSale_DB1798B94E26106A21F3B6F9CAA55AEB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_34BB8C123B5313D460FFB6F9CAA590AC" xlink:to="loc_qep_ContinuingCashFlowsToBusinessHeldForSale_DB1798B94E26106A21F3B6F9CAA55AEB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResultsOfOperationsDepreciationDepletionAmortizationAndAccretion" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResultsOfOperationsDepreciationDepletionAmortizationAndAccretion_2C0481EA84EC1115F951B6F9CAA514AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_34BB8C123B5313D460FFB6F9CAA590AC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResultsOfOperationsDepreciationDepletionAmortizationAndAccretion_2C0481EA84EC1115F951B6F9CAA514AC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOilAndGasPropertyAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOilAndGasPropertyAndEquipment_6E4AD3BEFCF7EFEDC6B8B6F9CAA561BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_34BB8C123B5313D460FFB6F9CAA590AC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOilAndGasPropertyAndEquipment_6E4AD3BEFCF7EFEDC6B8B6F9CAA561BF" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/DiscontinuedOperationsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/EmployeeBenefits" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/EmployeeBenefitsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_DB40A3C809D5E1199085B6F9CA08C859" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_A365DF53C19B5D680FADB6F9CA070C77" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_DB40A3C809D5E1199085B6F9CA08C859" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_A365DF53C19B5D680FADB6F9CA070C77" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_D3823F615A568F961616B6F9CA0750F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_A365DF53C19B5D680FADB6F9CA070C77" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_D3823F615A568F961616B6F9CA0750F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_8C009C095AFBA9325B22B6F9CA07021B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_D3823F615A568F961616B6F9CA0750F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_8C009C095AFBA9325B22B6F9CA07021B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_8C009C095AFBA9325B22B6F9CA07021B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_D3823F615A568F961616B6F9CA0750F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_8C009C095AFBA9325B22B6F9CA07021B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_FundedPensionPlanMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_FundedPensionPlanMember_9B9CAAAEA9354B71ACBFB6F9CA07BEDB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_8C009C095AFBA9325B22B6F9CA07021B" xlink:to="loc_qep_FundedPensionPlanMember_9B9CAAAEA9354B71ACBFB6F9CA07BEDB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_UnfundedPensionPlanMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_UnfundedPensionPlanMember_C93AC175C9C9767DD36DB6F9CA071735" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_8C009C095AFBA9325B22B6F9CA07021B" xlink:to="loc_qep_UnfundedPensionPlanMember_C93AC175C9C9767DD36DB6F9CA071735" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_1851640C6CAEF06A5DE1B6F9CA07EB96" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_8C009C095AFBA9325B22B6F9CA07021B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_1851640C6CAEF06A5DE1B6F9CA07EB96" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_3B87CFCCD5F23823FA18B6F9CA077368" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_8C009C095AFBA9325B22B6F9CA07021B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_3B87CFCCD5F23823FA18B6F9CA077368" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanNameAxis_EDEE4084027F258F2AC9B6F9CA080210" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_A365DF53C19B5D680FADB6F9CA070C77" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanNameAxis_EDEE4084027F258F2AC9B6F9CA080210" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanNameDomain_EE151863D2F8A656FD4FB6F9CA08D0D6_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanNameAxis_EDEE4084027F258F2AC9B6F9CA080210" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanNameDomain_EE151863D2F8A656FD4FB6F9CA08D0D6_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanNameDomain_EE151863D2F8A656FD4FB6F9CA08D0D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanNameAxis_EDEE4084027F258F2AC9B6F9CA080210" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanNameDomain_EE151863D2F8A656FD4FB6F9CA08D0D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_EmployeeInvestmentPlanMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_EmployeeInvestmentPlanMember_FA5C69DDE6680EBBCF31B6F9CA0818E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanNameDomain_EE151863D2F8A656FD4FB6F9CA08D0D6" xlink:to="loc_qep_EmployeeInvestmentPlanMember_FA5C69DDE6680EBBCF31B6F9CA0818E0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_ClosedRetirementPlanMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_ClosedRetirementPlanMember_58E3720B30574DF655C3B6F9CA08FFA9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanNameDomain_EE151863D2F8A656FD4FB6F9CA08D0D6" xlink:to="loc_qep_ClosedRetirementPlanMember_58E3720B30574DF655C3B6F9CA08FFA9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_EmployeeCategoryAxis" xlink:label="loc_qep_EmployeeCategoryAxis_D014FF02CB9B5D315755B6F9CA08D24F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_A365DF53C19B5D680FADB6F9CA070C77" xlink:to="loc_qep_EmployeeCategoryAxis_D014FF02CB9B5D315755B6F9CA08D24F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_EmployeeCategoryDomain" xlink:label="loc_qep_EmployeeCategoryDomain_DDC68CEB92C872C2274FB6F9CA08A547_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_qep_EmployeeCategoryAxis_D014FF02CB9B5D315755B6F9CA08D24F" xlink:to="loc_qep_EmployeeCategoryDomain_DDC68CEB92C872C2274FB6F9CA08A547_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_EmployeeCategoryDomain" xlink:label="loc_qep_EmployeeCategoryDomain_DDC68CEB92C872C2274FB6F9CA08A547" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_qep_EmployeeCategoryAxis_D014FF02CB9B5D315755B6F9CA08D24F" xlink:to="loc_qep_EmployeeCategoryDomain_DDC68CEB92C872C2274FB6F9CA08A547" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_ActiveEmployeesMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_ActiveEmployeesMember_D43924C89977886CAAABB6F9CA08C207" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_EmployeeCategoryDomain_DDC68CEB92C872C2274FB6F9CA08A547" xlink:to="loc_qep_ActiveEmployeesMember_D43924C89977886CAAABB6F9CA08C207" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_NonActiveEmployeesMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_NonActiveEmployeesMember_2114EBBBEC88C3C3F16AB6F9CA081E8B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_qep_EmployeeCategoryDomain_DDC68CEB92C872C2274FB6F9CA08A547" xlink:to="loc_qep_NonActiveEmployeesMember_2114EBBBEC88C3C3F16AB6F9CA081E8B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_DefinedBenefitPlanNumberofEmployeesCovered" xlink:label="loc_qep_DefinedBenefitPlanNumberofEmployeesCovered_7399ED586FADB00C263AB6F9CA086015" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_DB40A3C809D5E1199085B6F9CA08C859" xlink:to="loc_qep_DefinedBenefitPlanNumberofEmployeesCovered_7399ED586FADB00C263AB6F9CA086015" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_DefinedBenefitPlanPercentageOfEmployeesCovered" xlink:label="loc_qep_DefinedBenefitPlanPercentageOfEmployeesCovered_A2EE9107717FA23C2356B6F9CA08D747" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_DB40A3C809D5E1199085B6F9CA08C859" xlink:to="loc_qep_DefinedBenefitPlanPercentageOfEmployeesCovered_A2EE9107717FA23C2356B6F9CA08D747" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_PostretirementHealthCareBenefitsNumberofEligible" xlink:label="loc_qep_PostretirementHealthCareBenefitsNumberofEligible_873506ED47B966B72570B6F9CA08F6B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_DB40A3C809D5E1199085B6F9CA08C859" xlink:to="loc_qep_PostretirementHealthCareBenefitsNumberofEligible_873506ED47B966B72570B6F9CA08F6B6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_PostretirementHealthCareBenefitsNumberofEmployeesCovered" xlink:label="loc_qep_PostretirementHealthCareBenefitsNumberofEmployeesCovered_1B1C235654D56905CB5CB6F9CA08117E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_DB40A3C809D5E1199085B6F9CA08C859" xlink:to="loc_qep_PostretirementHealthCareBenefitsNumberofEmployeesCovered_1B1C235654D56905CB5CB6F9CA08117E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToCurtailments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToCurtailments_6A1350EDAC862A816B5DB6F9CA08202D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_DB40A3C809D5E1199085B6F9CA08C859" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToCurtailments_6A1350EDAC862A816B5DB6F9CA08202D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCurtailments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCurtailments_04E51A6382D82A0F0B7CB6F9CA081790" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_DB40A3C809D5E1199085B6F9CA08C859" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCurtailments_04E51A6382D82A0F0B7CB6F9CA081790" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCostOfProvidingSpecialOrContractualTerminationBenefitRecognizedDuringPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCostOfProvidingSpecialOrContractualTerminationBenefitRecognizedDuringPeriod_FCE7997E3B8ECB0410B6B6F9CA08734B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_DB40A3C809D5E1199085B6F9CA08C859" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCostOfProvidingSpecialOrContractualTerminationBenefitRecognizedDuringPeriod_FCE7997E3B8ECB0410B6B6F9CA08734B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionContributions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionContributions_072BBD052CCCD9CBB3A0B6F9CA09383A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_DB40A3C809D5E1199085B6F9CA08C859" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionContributions_072BBD052CCCD9CBB3A0B6F9CA09383A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansEstimatedFutureEmployerContributionsInCurrentFiscalYear" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansEstimatedFutureEmployerContributionsInCurrentFiscalYear_DF51578A2D4C634A7F82B6F9CA0994D0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_DB40A3C809D5E1199085B6F9CA08C859" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansEstimatedFutureEmployerContributionsInCurrentFiscalYear_DF51578A2D4C634A7F82B6F9CA0994D0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedBenefitObligation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedBenefitObligation_AAAFC0498F3D98BBFE41B6F9CA09C94A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_DB40A3C809D5E1199085B6F9CA08C859" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedBenefitObligation_AAAFC0498F3D98BBFE41B6F9CA09C94A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountToBeAmortizedFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNextFiscalYear" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountToBeAmortizedFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNextFiscalYear_674EE1F3DB3D494BBE9CB6F9CA0996AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_DB40A3C809D5E1199085B6F9CA08C859" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountToBeAmortizedFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNextFiscalYear_674EE1F3DB3D494BBE9CB6F9CA0996AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax_CB891F78419E17A0C149B6F9CA09AD04" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_DB40A3C809D5E1199085B6F9CA08C859" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax_CB891F78419E17A0C149B6F9CA09AD04" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchingContributionPercentOfMatch" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchingContributionPercentOfMatch_7BCD19BAA0DD58020CDFB6F9CA0914E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_DB40A3C809D5E1199085B6F9CA08C859" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchingContributionPercentOfMatch_7BCD19BAA0DD58020CDFB6F9CA0914E7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanMaximumAnnualContributionsPerEmployeePercent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanMaximumAnnualContributionsPerEmployeePercent_A4B1C36DA60429275F3CB6F9CA099451" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_DB40A3C809D5E1199085B6F9CA08C859" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanMaximumAnnualContributionsPerEmployeePercent_A4B1C36DA60429275F3CB6F9CA099451" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerDiscretionaryContributionPercent" xlink:label="loc_qep_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerDiscretionaryContributionPercent_AAE611F7268AA4CE3665B6F9CA09FB81" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_DB40A3C809D5E1199085B6F9CA08C859" xlink:to="loc_qep_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerDiscretionaryContributionPercent_AAE611F7268AA4CE3665B6F9CA09FB81" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized_F10A5CA721CFDB031D28B6F9CA09BBA0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_DB40A3C809D5E1199085B6F9CA08C859" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized_F10A5CA721CFDB031D28B6F9CA09BBA0" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/EmployeeBenefitsScheduleOfChangesInBenefitObligationsAndFairValueOfPlanAssetsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_B1FCF835F27284031974A79D203F92BE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_E537467D99E22FB15DC9A79D203E6691" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_B1FCF835F27284031974A79D203F92BE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_E537467D99E22FB15DC9A79D203E6691" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_969FDCA7FD9C1D4ECB39A79D203EBCD6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_E537467D99E22FB15DC9A79D203E6691" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_969FDCA7FD9C1D4ECB39A79D203EBCD6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_7DEBDE1E3BA390FD95B5A79D203EC379_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_969FDCA7FD9C1D4ECB39A79D203EBCD6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_7DEBDE1E3BA390FD95B5A79D203EC379_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_7DEBDE1E3BA390FD95B5A79D203EC379" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_969FDCA7FD9C1D4ECB39A79D203EBCD6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_7DEBDE1E3BA390FD95B5A79D203EC379" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_DB10A56B96B229748B30A79D203F8809" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_7DEBDE1E3BA390FD95B5A79D203EC379" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_DB10A56B96B229748B30A79D203F8809" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_79AAFAE3250E1B12B8E9A79D203FFD6D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_7DEBDE1E3BA390FD95B5A79D203EC379" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_79AAFAE3250E1B12B8E9A79D203FFD6D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward_76392CE218F9148CD4BCA79D203F6A58" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_B1FCF835F27284031974A79D203F92BE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward_76392CE218F9148CD4BCA79D203F6A58" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation_56F294B7CD8252B6D0A7A79D203F8B71" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward_76392CE218F9148CD4BCA79D203F6A58" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation_56F294B7CD8252B6D0A7A79D203F8B71" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost_6AB77873758E252A4347A79D203F49A0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward_76392CE218F9148CD4BCA79D203F6A58" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost_6AB77873758E252A4347A79D203F49A0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost_55E2C1F1351FD062EDF2A79D203F0AC6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward_76392CE218F9148CD4BCA79D203F6A58" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost_55E2C1F1351FD062EDF2A79D203F0AC6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCostOfProvidingSpecialOrContractualTerminationBenefitRecognizedDuringPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCostOfProvidingSpecialOrContractualTerminationBenefitRecognizedDuringPeriod_ABCC01DC0032F6633463A801D53C46BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward_76392CE218F9148CD4BCA79D203F6A58" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCostOfProvidingSpecialOrContractualTerminationBenefitRecognizedDuringPeriod_ABCC01DC0032F6633463A801D53C46BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCurtailments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCurtailments_7489DE901BEB3EA8CFE7A79D203F9738" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward_76392CE218F9148CD4BCA79D203F6A58" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCurtailments_7489DE901BEB3EA8CFE7A79D203F9738" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanSettlementsBenefitObligation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanSettlementsBenefitObligation_A4C494175F8C5CDCB456A79D203F93C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward_76392CE218F9148CD4BCA79D203F6A58" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanSettlementsBenefitObligation_A4C494175F8C5CDCB456A79D203F93C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid_19DF4D902A5269AAE8A7A79D203F91EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward_76392CE218F9148CD4BCA79D203F6A58" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid_19DF4D902A5269AAE8A7A79D203F91EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss_0136B106BA79A4BB32A4A79D203F997B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward_76392CE218F9148CD4BCA79D203F6A58" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss_0136B106BA79A4BB32A4A79D203F997B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward_7E160E84C2C0EB2DC48CA79D203F4B28" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_B1FCF835F27284031974A79D203F92BE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward_7E160E84C2C0EB2DC48CA79D203F4B28" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets_74BB9B6B3D7F99A5D730A79D203FA84A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward_7E160E84C2C0EB2DC48CA79D203F4B28" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets_74BB9B6B3D7F99A5D730A79D203FA84A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets_5B6E1A9DB00B71D0E63FA79D203FD0A4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward_7E160E84C2C0EB2DC48CA79D203F4B28" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets_5B6E1A9DB00B71D0E63FA79D203FD0A4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer_F4FFC7181CDCF0495E0DA79D203FF1D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward_7E160E84C2C0EB2DC48CA79D203F4B28" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer_F4FFC7181CDCF0495E0DA79D203FF1D5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanSettlementsPlanAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanSettlementsPlanAssets_7025241D97F3FBBD4BC5A79D203FFE5D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward_7E160E84C2C0EB2DC48CA79D203F4B28" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanSettlementsPlanAssets_7025241D97F3FBBD4BC5A79D203FFE5D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan_F4A7AB08E6A50595D569A79D204021AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward_7E160E84C2C0EB2DC48CA79D203F4B28" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan_F4A7AB08E6A50595D569A79D204021AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheetAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheetAbstract_E5C1CDB077FB5EC3ACBDA79D2040366F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_B1FCF835F27284031974A79D203F92BE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheetAbstract_E5C1CDB077FB5EC3ACBDA79D2040366F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansCurrentLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansCurrentLiabilities_F896DC11693A1D50FBF8A79D2040E634" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheetAbstract_E5C1CDB077FB5EC3ACBDA79D2040366F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansCurrentLiabilities_F896DC11693A1D50FBF8A79D2040E634" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent_C8F90376BF9DD0BFA1BDA79D204060E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheetAbstract_E5C1CDB077FB5EC3ACBDA79D2040366F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent_C8F90376BF9DD0BFA1BDA79D204060E8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent_C18EA1C9EDDDAD2A71B1A79D20401592" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheetAbstract_E5C1CDB077FB5EC3ACBDA79D2040366F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent_C18EA1C9EDDDAD2A71B1A79D20401592" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_8D202D156D47C7B9D41BA79D2040B3A0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_B1FCF835F27284031974A79D203F92BE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_8D202D156D47C7B9D41BA79D2040B3A0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansNetUnamortizedGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansNetUnamortizedGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_DF8DF0CAF979828FE4DCA79D20405A54" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_8D202D156D47C7B9D41BA79D2040B3A0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansNetUnamortizedGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_DF8DF0CAF979828FE4DCA79D20405A54" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlanNetPriorServiceCostsCreditArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlanNetPriorServiceCostsCreditArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_7B243DC5262B39E69FA5A79D20409B0C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_8D202D156D47C7B9D41BA79D2040B3A0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlanNetPriorServiceCostsCreditArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_7B243DC5262B39E69FA5A79D20409B0C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax_B9A9A6A35551D7972094A79D2040158B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_8D202D156D47C7B9D41BA79D2040B3A0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax_B9A9A6A35551D7972094A79D2040158B" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/EmployeeBenefitsScheduleOfChangesInLevel3AssetsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_8BE21E32CCE0637AEA47B6F9C9E94236" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_F35958160C7DB6943222B6F9C9E8D41B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_8BE21E32CCE0637AEA47B6F9C9E94236" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_F35958160C7DB6943222B6F9C9E8D41B" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_EC8DCE5D2CA60E41467EB6F9C9E8516E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_F35958160C7DB6943222B6F9C9E8D41B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_EC8DCE5D2CA60E41467EB6F9C9E8516E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_853448F3091D4DC28C0EB6F9C9E90566_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_EC8DCE5D2CA60E41467EB6F9C9E8516E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_853448F3091D4DC28C0EB6F9C9E90566_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_853448F3091D4DC28C0EB6F9C9E90566" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_EC8DCE5D2CA60E41467EB6F9C9E8516E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_853448F3091D4DC28C0EB6F9C9E90566" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_10676679DF5F6F10F27EB6F9C9E9126C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_853448F3091D4DC28C0EB6F9C9E90566" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_10676679DF5F6F10F27EB6F9C9E9126C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward_D6419B47C2E88A8D1AEAB6F9C9E9705C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_8BE21E32CCE0637AEA47B6F9C9E94236" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward_D6419B47C2E88A8D1AEAB6F9C9E9705C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets_0F411327662C76F78980B6F9C9E92A4B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward_D6419B47C2E88A8D1AEAB6F9C9E9705C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets_0F411327662C76F78980B6F9C9E92A4B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer_123E7D9968DFE2E15C27B6F9C9E95C1E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward_D6419B47C2E88A8D1AEAB6F9C9E9705C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer_123E7D9968DFE2E15C27B6F9C9E95C1E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnInvestments_21949E8B4C9835158D14B6F9C9E93C20" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward_D6419B47C2E88A8D1AEAB6F9C9E9705C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnInvestments_21949E8B4C9835158D14B6F9C9E93C20" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealizedInvestmentGainsLosses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealizedInvestmentGainsLosses_B033A156744024C708BBB6F9C9E91F5E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward_D6419B47C2E88A8D1AEAB6F9C9E9705C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealizedInvestmentGainsLosses_B033A156744024C708BBB6F9C9E91F5E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAdministrationExpenses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAdministrationExpenses_4F524BDA275DFEBA49CDB6F9C9E92D29" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward_D6419B47C2E88A8D1AEAB6F9C9E9705C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAdministrationExpenses_4F524BDA275DFEBA49CDB6F9C9E92D29" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid_B95A9948B88CA6900E33B6F9C9E9E968" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward_D6419B47C2E88A8D1AEAB6F9C9E9705C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid_B95A9948B88CA6900E33B6F9C9E9E968" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/EmployeeBenefitsScheduleOfExpectedBenefitPaymentsForPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_3B89A876B5E50DADF0D6A79D20287740" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_B5617EFAC40F765DE10AA79D2028D1D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_3B89A876B5E50DADF0D6A79D20287740" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_B5617EFAC40F765DE10AA79D2028D1D9" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_259B1252B9CBF1BB732EA79D2028124E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_B5617EFAC40F765DE10AA79D2028D1D9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_259B1252B9CBF1BB732EA79D2028124E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_417DAD44FC0AF2700369A79D2028A5FD_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_259B1252B9CBF1BB732EA79D2028124E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_417DAD44FC0AF2700369A79D2028A5FD_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_417DAD44FC0AF2700369A79D2028A5FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_259B1252B9CBF1BB732EA79D2028124E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_417DAD44FC0AF2700369A79D2028A5FD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_5BB0C3B6F86AA4CD2610A79D2028A4C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_417DAD44FC0AF2700369A79D2028A5FD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_5BB0C3B6F86AA4CD2610A79D2028A4C8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_09D8E7719E4CAE288CEFA79D20284350" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_417DAD44FC0AF2700369A79D2028A5FD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_09D8E7719E4CAE288CEFA79D20284350" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureBenefitPaymentsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureBenefitPaymentsAbstract_C8B72BFD61F1B7754AB9A79D202838F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_3B89A876B5E50DADF0D6A79D20287740" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureBenefitPaymentsAbstract_C8B72BFD61F1B7754AB9A79D202838F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsNextTwelveMonths" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsNextTwelveMonths_3B52F985D785F4932181A79D20287F7F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureBenefitPaymentsAbstract_C8B72BFD61F1B7754AB9A79D202838F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsNextTwelveMonths_3B52F985D785F4932181A79D20287F7F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearTwo" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearTwo_888155178FA945D4C0D8A79D20280515" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureBenefitPaymentsAbstract_C8B72BFD61F1B7754AB9A79D202838F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearTwo_888155178FA945D4C0D8A79D20280515" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearThree" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearThree_32FD8EECCA5E639E0F8EA79D2028D46A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureBenefitPaymentsAbstract_C8B72BFD61F1B7754AB9A79D202838F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearThree_32FD8EECCA5E639E0F8EA79D2028D46A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearFour" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearFour_0C412F8ABE1A403394EAA79D20295235" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureBenefitPaymentsAbstract_C8B72BFD61F1B7754AB9A79D202838F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearFour_0C412F8ABE1A403394EAA79D20295235" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearFive" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearFive_5CB6422ADF51E48F66DDA79D2029E964" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureBenefitPaymentsAbstract_C8B72BFD61F1B7754AB9A79D202838F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearFive_5CB6422ADF51E48F66DDA79D2029E964" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsFiveFiscalYearsThereafter" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsFiveFiscalYearsThereafter_BBB0DF71A581106CEDB4A79D2029482F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureBenefitPaymentsAbstract_C8B72BFD61F1B7754AB9A79D202838F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsFiveFiscalYearsThereafter_BBB0DF71A581106CEDB4A79D2029482F" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/EmployeeBenefitsScheduleOfFairValuesOfPensionAndPostretirementBenefitAssetsByAssetClassDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_DFE8F5605D0107D56FA0B6F9C9EECD78" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_BD37F10C0360F6399FA8B6F9C9ED195D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_DFE8F5605D0107D56FA0B6F9C9EECD78" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_BD37F10C0360F6399FA8B6F9C9ED195D" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_C49FEB91537B01402164B6F9C9ED0239" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_BD37F10C0360F6399FA8B6F9C9ED195D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_C49FEB91537B01402164B6F9C9ED0239" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_C5AC2333A7121A222881B6F9C9ED9EFA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_C49FEB91537B01402164B6F9C9ED0239" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_C5AC2333A7121A222881B6F9C9ED9EFA_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_C5AC2333A7121A222881B6F9C9ED9EFA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_C49FEB91537B01402164B6F9C9ED0239" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_C5AC2333A7121A222881B6F9C9ED9EFA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_A4444DF99A1D496F940EB6F9C9ED1B1C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_C5AC2333A7121A222881B6F9C9ED9EFA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_A4444DF99A1D496F940EB6F9C9ED1B1C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_511CC8D05C9CB8CC99A9B6F9C9EED9E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_C5AC2333A7121A222881B6F9C9ED9EFA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_511CC8D05C9CB8CC99A9B6F9C9EED9E4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_46D1339426A3C43BB1E7B6F9C9EE4158" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_C5AC2333A7121A222881B6F9C9ED9EFA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_46D1339426A3C43BB1E7B6F9C9EE4158" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis_D421A859403579B9960BB6F9C9EE804B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_BD37F10C0360F6399FA8B6F9C9ED195D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis_D421A859403579B9960BB6F9C9EE804B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_00A0660695CF1C81B18CB6F9C9EEE348_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis_D421A859403579B9960BB6F9C9EE804B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_00A0660695CF1C81B18CB6F9C9EEE348_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_00A0660695CF1C81B18CB6F9C9EEE348" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis_D421A859403579B9960BB6F9C9EE804B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_00A0660695CF1C81B18CB6F9C9EEE348" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsMember_6B4CF00EDB6F4F140E18B6F9C9EE9F5B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_00A0660695CF1C81B18CB6F9C9EEE348" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsMember_6B4CF00EDB6F4F140E18B6F9C9EE9F5B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_DomesticEquitySecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_DomesticEquitySecuritiesMember_D670974873DB7BD997A3B6F9C9EE8B06" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_00A0660695CF1C81B18CB6F9C9EEE348" xlink:to="loc_qep_DomesticEquitySecuritiesMember_D670974873DB7BD997A3B6F9C9EE8B06" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_ForeignEquitySecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_ForeignEquitySecuritiesMember_F59403F12B382E9CABBBB6F9C9EE04F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_00A0660695CF1C81B18CB6F9C9EEE348" xlink:to="loc_qep_ForeignEquitySecuritiesMember_F59403F12B382E9CABBBB6F9C9EE04F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_FC8827906ED022C849EEB6F9C9EE9355" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_00A0660695CF1C81B18CB6F9C9EEE348" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_FC8827906ED022C849EEB6F9C9EE9355" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets_F8A0CC0BEC0A02886E69B6F9C9EEE493" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_DFE8F5605D0107D56FA0B6F9C9EECD78" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets_F8A0CC0BEC0A02886E69B6F9C9EEE493" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssetAllocations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssetAllocations_BEE83F4880BF228B104FB6F9C9EE039A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_DFE8F5605D0107D56FA0B6F9C9EECD78" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssetAllocations_BEE83F4880BF228B104FB6F9C9EE039A" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/EmployeeBenefitsScheduleOfNetPeriodicBenefitCostAndOtherComprehensiveIncomeForPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_B54F025E8176476C21E9B6F9C9F82D91" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_553AC3C6FF16B74377DEB6F9C9F71A14" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_B54F025E8176476C21E9B6F9C9F82D91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_553AC3C6FF16B74377DEB6F9C9F71A14" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_81868796998EAA59DF15B6F9C9F7C2EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_553AC3C6FF16B74377DEB6F9C9F71A14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_81868796998EAA59DF15B6F9C9F7C2EE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_772391AA5BB8E97B2596B6F9C9F796AA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_81868796998EAA59DF15B6F9C9F7C2EE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_772391AA5BB8E97B2596B6F9C9F796AA_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_772391AA5BB8E97B2596B6F9C9F796AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_81868796998EAA59DF15B6F9C9F7C2EE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_772391AA5BB8E97B2596B6F9C9F796AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_4F1E1BA777898E1F0B7BB6F9C9F72936" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_772391AA5BB8E97B2596B6F9C9F796AA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_4F1E1BA777898E1F0B7BB6F9C9F72936" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_3703C7DF6F08899A7567B6F9C9F7009C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_772391AA5BB8E97B2596B6F9C9F796AA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_3703C7DF6F08899A7567B6F9C9F7009C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_8D0D701CE07866AA2382B6F9C9F86A9C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_B54F025E8176476C21E9B6F9C9F82D91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_8D0D701CE07866AA2382B6F9C9F86A9C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost_EB6FF54DAE3C872F7B32B6F9C9F85B7C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_8D0D701CE07866AA2382B6F9C9F86A9C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost_EB6FF54DAE3C872F7B32B6F9C9F85B7C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost_963ACFD192694157D3C6B6F9C9F8A7A1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_8D0D701CE07866AA2382B6F9C9F86A9C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost_963ACFD192694157D3C6B6F9C9F8A7A1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets_72EF8A22177DF2D92B05B6F9C9F8E7C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_8D0D701CE07866AA2382B6F9C9F86A9C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets_72EF8A22177DF2D92B05B6F9C9F8E7C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToCurtailments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToCurtailments_84416DE5DE23704851A8B6F9C9F8890B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_8D0D701CE07866AA2382B6F9C9F86A9C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToCurtailments_84416DE5DE23704851A8B6F9C9F8890B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCostOfProvidingSpecialOrContractualTerminationBenefitRecognizedDuringPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCostOfProvidingSpecialOrContractualTerminationBenefitRecognizedDuringPeriod_5441E58E34235DB1F413B6F9C9F8D024" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_8D0D701CE07866AA2382B6F9C9F86A9C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCostOfProvidingSpecialOrContractualTerminationBenefitRecognizedDuringPeriod_5441E58E34235DB1F413B6F9C9F8D024" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToSettlements1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToSettlements1_247DEECC56745C97AF2FB6F9C9F83A8D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_8D0D701CE07866AA2382B6F9C9F86A9C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToSettlements1_247DEECC56745C97AF2FB6F9C9F83A8D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit_B1029B7467FB226275B9B6F9C9F84B89" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_8D0D701CE07866AA2382B6F9C9F86A9C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit_B1029B7467FB226275B9B6F9C9F84B89" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses_56F9757400D79C2D70F3B6F9C9F842F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_8D0D701CE07866AA2382B6F9C9F86A9C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses_56F9757400D79C2D70F3B6F9C9F842F7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost_9677368475A9866EB444B6F9C9F8475F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_8D0D701CE07866AA2382B6F9C9F86A9C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost_9677368475A9866EB444B6F9C9F8475F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_7293EF764A52F33B3EB8B6F9C9F816BE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_B54F025E8176476C21E9B6F9C9F82D91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_7293EF764A52F33B3EB8B6F9C9F816BE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansNetUnamortizedGainLossArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansNetUnamortizedGainLossArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax_33FEB9009D7EEE4FA564B6F9C9F8035F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_7293EF764A52F33B3EB8B6F9C9F816BE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansNetUnamortizedGainLossArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax_33FEB9009D7EEE4FA564B6F9C9F8035F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossBeforeTax_B71F2914B2B94BF625D3B6F9C9F8B56E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_7293EF764A52F33B3EB8B6F9C9F816BE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossBeforeTax_B71F2914B2B94BF625D3B6F9C9F8B56E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax_1BAB5B50DAE1DC77CC46B6F9C9F8312A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_7293EF764A52F33B3EB8B6F9C9F816BE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax_1BAB5B50DAE1DC77CC46B6F9C9F8312A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCurtailments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCurtailments_E6A039CBFA7EEE805502B6F9C9F8B986" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_7293EF764A52F33B3EB8B6F9C9F816BE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCurtailments_E6A039CBFA7EEE805502B6F9C9F8B986" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTax_10754727AE8841FAD2AEB6F9C9F90214" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_7293EF764A52F33B3EB8B6F9C9F816BE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTax_10754727AE8841FAD2AEB6F9C9F90214" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/EmployeeBenefitsScheduleOfWeightedAverageActuarialAssumptionsUsedToDetermineBenefitObligationsAndNetPeriodicBenefitCostsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_6FA98355FA194F624C6EC5D17C05F4F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_F445E4DB43AA4BC9F15AC5D17C054072" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_6FA98355FA194F624C6EC5D17C05F4F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_F445E4DB43AA4BC9F15AC5D17C054072" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_B2624E6830F33A3CE78EC5D17C05578E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_F445E4DB43AA4BC9F15AC5D17C054072" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_B2624E6830F33A3CE78EC5D17C05578E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_DF178E86EA1745C77F6AC5D17C05A639_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_B2624E6830F33A3CE78EC5D17C05578E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_DF178E86EA1745C77F6AC5D17C05A639_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_DF178E86EA1745C77F6AC5D17C05A639" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_B2624E6830F33A3CE78EC5D17C05578E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_DF178E86EA1745C77F6AC5D17C05A639" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_475324167C9D175B3F05C5D17C05E50C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_DF178E86EA1745C77F6AC5D17C05A639" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_475324167C9D175B3F05C5D17C05E50C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_EE04F3B3CF6CF2F514FBC5D17C05B195" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_DF178E86EA1745C77F6AC5D17C05A639" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_EE04F3B3CF6CF2F514FBC5D17C05B195" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssumptionsUsedInCalculatingBenefitObligationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssumptionsUsedInCalculatingBenefitObligationAbstract_E3D3F9030E04CB56743FC5D17C050FBB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_6FA98355FA194F624C6EC5D17C05F4F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssumptionsUsedInCalculatingBenefitObligationAbstract_E3D3F9030E04CB56743FC5D17C050FBB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationDiscountRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationDiscountRate_08B9E87E08863F37B113C5D17C053151" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssumptionsUsedInCalculatingBenefitObligationAbstract_E3D3F9030E04CB56743FC5D17C050FBB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationDiscountRate_08B9E87E08863F37B113C5D17C053151" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationRateOfCompensationIncrease" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationRateOfCompensationIncrease_32945809FBE5700DC7A1C5D17C0511A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssumptionsUsedInCalculatingBenefitObligationAbstract_E3D3F9030E04CB56743FC5D17C050FBB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationRateOfCompensationIncrease_32945809FBE5700DC7A1C5D17C0511A9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssumptionsUsedInCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssumptionsUsedInCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_92B4DCBDF075B0D401A9C5D17C053C8E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_6FA98355FA194F624C6EC5D17C05F4F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssumptionsUsedInCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_92B4DCBDF075B0D401A9C5D17C053C8E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostDiscountRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostDiscountRate_571AF6D972A039D1FB78C5D17C05BC18" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssumptionsUsedInCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_92B4DCBDF075B0D401A9C5D17C053C8E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostDiscountRate_571AF6D972A039D1FB78C5D17C05BC18" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets_288684861A06D817AE1EC5D17C054CD7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssumptionsUsedInCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_92B4DCBDF075B0D401A9C5D17C053C8E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets_288684861A06D817AE1EC5D17C054CD7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostRateOfCompensationIncrease" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostRateOfCompensationIncrease_2D0B3CA4F0335E79F31EC5D17C05F90A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssumptionsUsedInCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_92B4DCBDF075B0D401A9C5D17C053C8E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostRateOfCompensationIncrease_2D0B3CA4F0335E79F31EC5D17C05F90A" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/EmployeeBenefitsTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems_8B30F44B98DF4EA6A827A345E083A16B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_2C2767C5264D9BDC9E42A345E083F469" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems_8B30F44B98DF4EA6A827A345E083A16B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_2C2767C5264D9BDC9E42A345E083F469" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_5914B1163133D4CFEE72A345E083EFF8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_2C2767C5264D9BDC9E42A345E083F469" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_5914B1163133D4CFEE72A345E083EFF8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_573BEE397F00CEE6DCECA345E08334AC_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_5914B1163133D4CFEE72A345E083EFF8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_573BEE397F00CEE6DCECA345E08334AC_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_573BEE397F00CEE6DCECA345E08334AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_5914B1163133D4CFEE72A345E083EFF8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_573BEE397F00CEE6DCECA345E08334AC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTextBlock_E42968E0FF19A8CAA2D7A345E08499A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems_8B30F44B98DF4EA6A827A345E083A16B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTextBlock_E42968E0FF19A8CAA2D7A345E08499A3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfNetBenefitCostsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfNetBenefitCostsTableTextBlock_78568B218054E2721E5AA345E084225E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems_8B30F44B98DF4EA6A827A345E083A16B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfNetBenefitCostsTableTextBlock_78568B218054E2721E5AA345E084225E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAssumptionsUsedTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAssumptionsUsedTableTextBlock_07D21518FC768852259CA345E0849BE2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems_8B30F44B98DF4EA6A827A345E083A16B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAssumptionsUsedTableTextBlock_07D21518FC768852259CA345E0849BE2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAllocationOfPlanAssetsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAllocationOfPlanAssetsTableTextBlock_26E681139C31C411DEAEA345E0841F0C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems_8B30F44B98DF4EA6A827A345E083A16B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAllocationOfPlanAssetsTableTextBlock_26E681139C31C411DEAEA345E0841F0C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEffectOfSignificantUnobservableInputsChangesInPlanAssetsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEffectOfSignificantUnobservableInputsChangesInPlanAssetsTableTextBlock_9D6791C0FAF46296CA20A345E084C244" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems_8B30F44B98DF4EA6A827A345E083A16B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEffectOfSignificantUnobservableInputsChangesInPlanAssetsTableTextBlock_9D6791C0FAF46296CA20A345E084C244" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfExpectedBenefitPaymentsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfExpectedBenefitPaymentsTableTextBlock_3BD167068730F5EC7059A345E084671D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems_8B30F44B98DF4EA6A827A345E083A16B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfExpectedBenefitPaymentsTableTextBlock_3BD167068730F5EC7059A345E084671D" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/EnvironmentalDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EnvironmentalExitCostLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EnvironmentalExitCostLineItems_8CB265DAFF3902CF9BC0A79D20FF68D2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEnvironmentalExitCostTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEnvironmentalExitCostTable_AF8A7D340B1581EC3A19A79D20FFAE26" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EnvironmentalExitCostLineItems_8CB265DAFF3902CF9BC0A79D20FF68D2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEnvironmentalExitCostTable_AF8A7D340B1581EC3A19A79D20FFAE26" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EnvironmentalExitCostByPropertyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EnvironmentalExitCostByPropertyAxis_13E65D091989641C4547A79D20FF14EB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEnvironmentalExitCostTable_AF8A7D340B1581EC3A19A79D20FFAE26" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EnvironmentalExitCostByPropertyAxis_13E65D091989641C4547A79D20FF14EB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EnvironmentalExitCostsNameOfPropertyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EnvironmentalExitCostsNameOfPropertyDomain_F1EA9374D3134C8EC8E3A79D20FF54A0_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EnvironmentalExitCostByPropertyAxis_13E65D091989641C4547A79D20FF14EB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EnvironmentalExitCostsNameOfPropertyDomain_F1EA9374D3134C8EC8E3A79D20FF54A0_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EnvironmentalExitCostsNameOfPropertyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EnvironmentalExitCostsNameOfPropertyDomain_F1EA9374D3134C8EC8E3A79D20FF54A0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EnvironmentalExitCostByPropertyAxis_13E65D091989641C4547A79D20FF14EB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EnvironmentalExitCostsNameOfPropertyDomain_F1EA9374D3134C8EC8E3A79D20FF54A0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccrualForEnvironmentalLossContingenciesPayments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccrualForEnvironmentalLossContingenciesPayments_E1370E8BB4FD6AC76CDDA79D20FF14A0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EnvironmentalExitCostLineItems_8CB265DAFF3902CF9BC0A79D20FF68D2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccrualForEnvironmentalLossContingenciesPayments_E1370E8BB4FD6AC76CDDA79D20FF14A0" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/EquityBasedCompensation" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/EquityBasedCompensationFairValueOfOptionsGrantedAndMajorAssumptionsUsedDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_A3C76C9C2A5F1FBA98BABFFDE68BF182" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_35EBFCFFE1A10AC046C1BFFDE6819D26" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_A3C76C9C2A5F1FBA98BABFFDE68BF182" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_35EBFCFFE1A10AC046C1BFFDE6819D26" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_2AE1A301D588C4B347C6BFFDE68149E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_35EBFCFFE1A10AC046C1BFFDE6819D26" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_2AE1A301D588C4B347C6BFFDE68149E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_065FDF6F8D6DE8198E7ABFFDE68B779A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_2AE1A301D588C4B347C6BFFDE68149E9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_065FDF6F8D6DE8198E7ABFFDE68B779A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_065FDF6F8D6DE8198E7ABFFDE68B779A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_2AE1A301D588C4B347C6BFFDE68149E9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_065FDF6F8D6DE8198E7ABFFDE68B779A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_45182656EA202F26D860BFFDE68BDD06" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_35EBFCFFE1A10AC046C1BFFDE6819D26" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_45182656EA202F26D860BFFDE68BDD06" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_A8A1E1591926CD65AC02BFFDE68B44E3_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_45182656EA202F26D860BFFDE68BDD06" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_A8A1E1591926CD65AC02BFFDE68B44E3_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_A8A1E1591926CD65AC02BFFDE68B44E3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_45182656EA202F26D860BFFDE68BDD06" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_A8A1E1591926CD65AC02BFFDE68B44E3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_4A44EC3D32DE7FDC8162BFFF71D2D28D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_A8A1E1591926CD65AC02BFFDE68B44E3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_4A44EC3D32DE7FDC8162BFFF71D2D28D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_749AAD4FDE52B079EA00BFFFA01F6985" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_A8A1E1591926CD65AC02BFFDE68B44E3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_749AAD4FDE52B079EA00BFFFA01F6985" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_PerformanceShareUnitsMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_PerformanceShareUnitsMember_1E90B93EDB7929351BBEBFFFBD61C14C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_A8A1E1591926CD65AC02BFFDE68B44E3" xlink:to="loc_qep_PerformanceShareUnitsMember_1E90B93EDB7929351BBEBFFFBD61C14C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_F7E7826C3F817275CEFEC0025E147D55" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_A3C76C9C2A5F1FBA98BABFFDE68BF182" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_F7E7826C3F817275CEFEC0025E147D55" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRateMinimum" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRateMinimum_512F2C397F90A17088B6C003167F3CFA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_A3C76C9C2A5F1FBA98BABFFDE68BF182" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRateMinimum_512F2C397F90A17088B6C003167F3CFA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRateMaximum" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRateMaximum_98DBF6C1A3A21A821975C00334FBB615" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_A3C76C9C2A5F1FBA98BABFFDE68BF182" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRateMaximum_98DBF6C1A3A21A821975C00334FBB615" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate_D5980F07F792BF7687FFC00416052B44" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_A3C76C9C2A5F1FBA98BABFFDE68BF182" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate_D5980F07F792BF7687FFC00416052B44" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMinimum" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMinimum_2F22F08AD2F2F6F90EB8C0058873D983" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_A3C76C9C2A5F1FBA98BABFFDE68BF182" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMinimum_2F22F08AD2F2F6F90EB8C0058873D983" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMaximum" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMaximum_6BBE7B31F1DF0C371DE5C005EABB47F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_A3C76C9C2A5F1FBA98BABFFDE68BF182" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMaximum_6BBE7B31F1DF0C371DE5C005EABB47F6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsWeightedAverageVolatilityRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsWeightedAverageVolatilityRate_25D58811AE6317542CB8C00CB588C4C3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_A3C76C9C2A5F1FBA98BABFFDE68BF182" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsWeightedAverageVolatilityRate_25D58811AE6317542CB8C00CB588C4C3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate_E1FF73836478CC350DE6C00E364A46F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_A3C76C9C2A5F1FBA98BABFFDE68BF182" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate_E1FF73836478CC350DE6C00E364A46F7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1_FFF95C0802A0BEFE4694C00EBDCC4F1A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_A3C76C9C2A5F1FBA98BABFFDE68BF182" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1_FFF95C0802A0BEFE4694C00EBDCC4F1A" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/EquityBasedCompensationNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_71A475F0D3D88AF55AE6B6F9CA2DF1A2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_5FF3B3678D881E0E029FB6F9CA2C3491" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_71A475F0D3D88AF55AE6B6F9CA2DF1A2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_5FF3B3678D881E0E029FB6F9CA2C3491" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_E7BDEDEC261B4FD5CDF5B6F9CA2C821A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_5FF3B3678D881E0E029FB6F9CA2C3491" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_E7BDEDEC261B4FD5CDF5B6F9CA2C821A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_0588BEC573CC870C41B4B6F9CA2C75B0_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_E7BDEDEC261B4FD5CDF5B6F9CA2C821A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_0588BEC573CC870C41B4B6F9CA2C75B0_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_0588BEC573CC870C41B4B6F9CA2C75B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_E7BDEDEC261B4FD5CDF5B6F9CA2C821A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_0588BEC573CC870C41B4B6F9CA2C75B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_FundedPensionPlanMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_FundedPensionPlanMember_F3FBD1CDDDBB3F4BA44FB6F9CA2CA02E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_0588BEC573CC870C41B4B6F9CA2C75B0" xlink:to="loc_qep_FundedPensionPlanMember_F3FBD1CDDDBB3F4BA44FB6F9CA2CA02E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis_DA344B84134A14BEAD01B6F9CA2C4A87" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_5FF3B3678D881E0E029FB6F9CA2C3491" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis_DA344B84134A14BEAD01B6F9CA2C4A87" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_181C54F756D90829A488B6F9CA2CDA13_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis_DA344B84134A14BEAD01B6F9CA2C4A87" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_181C54F756D90829A488B6F9CA2CDA13_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_181C54F756D90829A488B6F9CA2CDA13" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis_DA344B84134A14BEAD01B6F9CA2C4A87" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_181C54F756D90829A488B6F9CA2CDA13" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember_71F55240D1EBC95B761EB6F9CA2CF9D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_181C54F756D90829A488B6F9CA2CDA13" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember_71F55240D1EBC95B761EB6F9CA2CF9D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDiscontinuedOperationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDiscontinuedOperationsMember_9288C783D32D65CE46AAB6F9CA2CF55D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_181C54F756D90829A488B6F9CA2CDA13" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDiscontinuedOperationsMember_9288C783D32D65CE46AAB6F9CA2CF55D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_FD222B55AE93774D3BB5B6F9CA2DEE4A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_5FF3B3678D881E0E029FB6F9CA2C3491" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_FD222B55AE93774D3BB5B6F9CA2DEE4A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_5366FF3D09D9A3D784C6B6F9CA2DE1AA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_FD222B55AE93774D3BB5B6F9CA2DEE4A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_5366FF3D09D9A3D784C6B6F9CA2DE1AA_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_5366FF3D09D9A3D784C6B6F9CA2DE1AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_FD222B55AE93774D3BB5B6F9CA2DEE4A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_5366FF3D09D9A3D784C6B6F9CA2DE1AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_5619A7695DDBCA67F129B6F9CA2DE607" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_5366FF3D09D9A3D784C6B6F9CA2DE1AA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_5619A7695DDBCA67F129B6F9CA2DE607" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_7F433183CF8244550ACFB6F9CA2DE077" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_5366FF3D09D9A3D784C6B6F9CA2DE1AA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_7F433183CF8244550ACFB6F9CA2DE077" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_PerformanceShareUnitsMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_PerformanceShareUnitsMember_24281D5A9A46373FDDF9B6F9CA2D02CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_5366FF3D09D9A3D784C6B6F9CA2DE1AA" xlink:to="loc_qep_PerformanceShareUnitsMember_24281D5A9A46373FDDF9B6F9CA2D02CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToCurtailments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToCurtailments_0A341005D469627DC5FBB6F9CA2DB61E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_71A475F0D3D88AF55AE6B6F9CA2DF1A2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToCurtailments_0A341005D469627DC5FBB6F9CA2DB61E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_DefinedBenefitPlanPercentageOfEmployeesCovered" xlink:label="loc_qep_DefinedBenefitPlanPercentageOfEmployeesCovered_EE0423FA4C0B8EF9BA89B6F9CA2D48CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_71A475F0D3D88AF55AE6B6F9CA2DF1A2" xlink:to="loc_qep_DefinedBenefitPlanPercentageOfEmployeesCovered_EE0423FA4C0B8EF9BA89B6F9CA2D48CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant_F38DC5FC84F40AEC2797B6F9CA2D0801" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_71A475F0D3D88AF55AE6B6F9CA2DF1A2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant_F38DC5FC84F40AEC2797B6F9CA2D0801" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_0AE2F8EAC599E514AF7DB6F9CA2DD58F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_71A475F0D3D88AF55AE6B6F9CA2DF1A2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_0AE2F8EAC599E514AF7DB6F9CA2DD58F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue_9509738A356CE89BC9E5B6F9CA2D93B5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_71A475F0D3D88AF55AE6B6F9CA2DF1A2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue_9509738A356CE89BC9E5B6F9CA2D93B5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitFromCompensationExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitFromCompensationExpense_2E6EB28F8C09D7C06D4FB6F9CA2DB8AF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_71A475F0D3D88AF55AE6B6F9CA2DF1A2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitFromCompensationExpense_2E6EB28F8C09D7C06D4FB6F9CA2DB8AF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentToAdditionalPaidInCapitalIncomeTaxEffectFromShareBasedCompensationNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentToAdditionalPaidInCapitalIncomeTaxEffectFromShareBasedCompensationNet_3EB9CCE5042F32BC4382B6F9CA2DB4B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_71A475F0D3D88AF55AE6B6F9CA2DF1A2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentToAdditionalPaidInCapitalIncomeTaxEffectFromShareBasedCompensationNet_3EB9CCE5042F32BC4382B6F9CA2DB4B9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized_F6C0FE363EE6690BE997B6F9CA2D9E41" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_71A475F0D3D88AF55AE6B6F9CA2DF1A2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized_F6C0FE363EE6690BE997B6F9CA2D9E41" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_EBB0AE914601B57B2F0AB6F9CA2D710E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_71A475F0D3D88AF55AE6B6F9CA2DF1A2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_EBB0AE914601B57B2F0AB6F9CA2D710E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationCashReceivedFromExerciseOfStockOptions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationCashReceivedFromExerciseOfStockOptions_9FBA21E070078D0AE66CB6F9CA2D55E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_71A475F0D3D88AF55AE6B6F9CA2DF1A2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationCashReceivedFromExerciseOfStockOptions_9FBA21E070078D0AE66CB6F9CA2D55E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1_7B7553D9D0089B5017B5B6F9CA2EEFF5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_71A475F0D3D88AF55AE6B6F9CA2DF1A2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1_7B7553D9D0089B5017B5B6F9CA2EEFF5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue_F6A205A81FE510E56F3CB6F9CA2EB12A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_71A475F0D3D88AF55AE6B6F9CA2DF1A2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue_F6A205A81FE510E56F3CB6F9CA2EB12A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxExpense" xlink:label="loc_qep_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxExpense_16E446834D755BDC3C74B6F9CA2E613B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_71A475F0D3D88AF55AE6B6F9CA2DF1A2" xlink:to="loc_qep_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxExpense_16E446834D755BDC3C74B6F9CA2E613B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_D3926B6A52B2815E7B71B6F9CA2EAB15" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_71A475F0D3D88AF55AE6B6F9CA2DF1A2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_D3926B6A52B2815E7B71B6F9CA2EAB15" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/EquityBasedCompensationScheduleOfPerformanceShareUnitTransactionsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_B6569F1C0F7295BEC7C5B6F9CA138C88" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_21D4B34D0F619EE55AA2B6F9CA13BAD7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_B6569F1C0F7295BEC7C5B6F9CA138C88" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_21D4B34D0F619EE55AA2B6F9CA13BAD7" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_2E94B3943359A9A2C7ADB6F9CA135343" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_21D4B34D0F619EE55AA2B6F9CA13BAD7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_2E94B3943359A9A2C7ADB6F9CA135343" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_68E1E525C6C89992A2C2B6F9CA13A068_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_2E94B3943359A9A2C7ADB6F9CA135343" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_68E1E525C6C89992A2C2B6F9CA13A068_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_68E1E525C6C89992A2C2B6F9CA13A068" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_2E94B3943359A9A2C7ADB6F9CA135343" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_68E1E525C6C89992A2C2B6F9CA13A068" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_1C97911FFD5F7408F1D6B6F9CA131B27" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_21D4B34D0F619EE55AA2B6F9CA13BAD7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_1C97911FFD5F7408F1D6B6F9CA131B27" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_5F030F8F0EC79C6C7473B6F9CA1371AB_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_1C97911FFD5F7408F1D6B6F9CA131B27" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_5F030F8F0EC79C6C7473B6F9CA1371AB_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_5F030F8F0EC79C6C7473B6F9CA1371AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_1C97911FFD5F7408F1D6B6F9CA131B27" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_5F030F8F0EC79C6C7473B6F9CA1371AB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_PerformanceShareUnitsMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_PerformanceShareUnitsMember_F23DFBAE9441BD553C86B6F9CA135F8A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_5F030F8F0EC79C6C7473B6F9CA1371AB" xlink:to="loc_qep_PerformanceShareUnitsMember_F23DFBAE9441BD553C86B6F9CA135F8A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_66285A043AD12C569615B6F9CA13DA94" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_B6569F1C0F7295BEC7C5B6F9CA138C88" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_66285A043AD12C569615B6F9CA13DA94" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_334B482F21085ECE7848B6F9CA13A587" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_66285A043AD12C569615B6F9CA13DA94" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_334B482F21085ECE7848B6F9CA13A587" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_E9791629E5525A2E6EFBB6F9CA1307C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_66285A043AD12C569615B6F9CA13DA94" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_E9791629E5525A2E6EFBB6F9CA1307C8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_2EF5559D1395D1551256B6F9CA14BA75" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_66285A043AD12C569615B6F9CA13DA94" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_2EF5559D1395D1551256B6F9CA14BA75" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsCanceledInThePeriod" xlink:label="loc_qep_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsCanceledInThePeriod_C869BA3B59C879CAA05FB6F9CA14D38C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_66285A043AD12C569615B6F9CA13DA94" xlink:to="loc_qep_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsCanceledInThePeriod_C869BA3B59C879CAA05FB6F9CA14D38C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_C58CF34B434C95D298A0B6F9CA14EC85" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_66285A043AD12C569615B6F9CA13DA94" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_C58CF34B434C95D298A0B6F9CA14EC85" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_3C59C4AF2146AA515322B6F9CA142567" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_B6569F1C0F7295BEC7C5B6F9CA138C88" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_3C59C4AF2146AA515322B6F9CA142567" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_4E05B0742552F72216F5B6F9CA14B1EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_3C59C4AF2146AA515322B6F9CA142567" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_4E05B0742552F72216F5B6F9CA14B1EF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_7D8BFEA60ACF34E0A9A0B6F9CA14C0C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_3C59C4AF2146AA515322B6F9CA142567" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_7D8BFEA60ACF34E0A9A0B6F9CA14C0C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_DD5F5A5E3A2855FC11AFB6F9CA14D950" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_3C59C4AF2146AA515322B6F9CA142567" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_DD5F5A5E3A2855FC11AFB6F9CA14D950" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsotherthanOptionsCanceledinthePeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_qep_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsotherthanOptionsCanceledinthePeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_F2A143907365593693DBB6F9CA14B8E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_3C59C4AF2146AA515322B6F9CA142567" xlink:to="loc_qep_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsotherthanOptionsCanceledinthePeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_F2A143907365593693DBB6F9CA14B8E0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_A4AAA138AF85CE3844F8B6F9CA14F799" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_3C59C4AF2146AA515322B6F9CA142567" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_A4AAA138AF85CE3844F8B6F9CA14F799" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/EquityBasedCompensationScheduleOfRestrictedStockTransactionsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_3B8287FC53BF8B1D5927B6F9CA19E6E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_04D3E391F8BA1A37FF19B6F9CA18AB0A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_3B8287FC53BF8B1D5927B6F9CA19E6E0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_04D3E391F8BA1A37FF19B6F9CA18AB0A" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_BBA918C8789F9FF3916EB6F9CA189DA7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_04D3E391F8BA1A37FF19B6F9CA18AB0A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_BBA918C8789F9FF3916EB6F9CA189DA7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_3D4926D59175F0F483A6B6F9CA18115B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_BBA918C8789F9FF3916EB6F9CA189DA7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_3D4926D59175F0F483A6B6F9CA18115B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_3D4926D59175F0F483A6B6F9CA18115B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_BBA918C8789F9FF3916EB6F9CA189DA7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_3D4926D59175F0F483A6B6F9CA18115B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_71CAEEC1B6550153E024B6F9CA18D574" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_04D3E391F8BA1A37FF19B6F9CA18AB0A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_71CAEEC1B6550153E024B6F9CA18D574" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_050364A7610481D0DF4EB6F9CA181008_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_71CAEEC1B6550153E024B6F9CA18D574" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_050364A7610481D0DF4EB6F9CA181008_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_050364A7610481D0DF4EB6F9CA181008" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_71CAEEC1B6550153E024B6F9CA18D574" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_050364A7610481D0DF4EB6F9CA181008" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_F0BE76BF7955C01A7368B6F9CA190D8B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_050364A7610481D0DF4EB6F9CA181008" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_F0BE76BF7955C01A7368B6F9CA190D8B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_6A9BD489736137707527B6F9CA198BD6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_3B8287FC53BF8B1D5927B6F9CA19E6E0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_6A9BD489736137707527B6F9CA198BD6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_AC2B0852396F07476F45B6F9CA19440D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_6A9BD489736137707527B6F9CA198BD6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_AC2B0852396F07476F45B6F9CA19440D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_A9DFBDD292D9A8FC514EB6F9CA19EA7C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_6A9BD489736137707527B6F9CA198BD6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_A9DFBDD292D9A8FC514EB6F9CA19EA7C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_68CD35CA64545CF29C8BB6F9CA19167E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_6A9BD489736137707527B6F9CA198BD6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_68CD35CA64545CF29C8BB6F9CA19167E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_94B4864C4E5982650502B6F9CA19900B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_6A9BD489736137707527B6F9CA198BD6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_94B4864C4E5982650502B6F9CA19900B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_36EA85D35CF93B10AAA8B6F9CA199A46" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_3B8287FC53BF8B1D5927B6F9CA19E6E0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_36EA85D35CF93B10AAA8B6F9CA199A46" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_36188ADC85419D28F365B6F9CA19B835" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_36EA85D35CF93B10AAA8B6F9CA199A46" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_36188ADC85419D28F365B6F9CA19B835" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_5B792BC23A25E6CE51F0B6F9CA19947E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_36EA85D35CF93B10AAA8B6F9CA199A46" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_5B792BC23A25E6CE51F0B6F9CA19947E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_DE3A2789FE192214A016B6F9CA196296" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_36EA85D35CF93B10AAA8B6F9CA199A46" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_DE3A2789FE192214A016B6F9CA196296" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_E6F6E42D1AD1C0833EE5B6F9CA1955F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_36EA85D35CF93B10AAA8B6F9CA199A46" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_E6F6E42D1AD1C0833EE5B6F9CA1955F2" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/EquityBasedCompensationScheduleOfStockOptionTransactionsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_572D39200A6A4F13762FB6F9CA1F54C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_8616CCE70F6452400EA1B6F9CA1FB3D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_572D39200A6A4F13762FB6F9CA1F54C6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_8616CCE70F6452400EA1B6F9CA1FB3D5" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_A4A9B88A8C61D5383B4DB6F9CA1F0A93" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_8616CCE70F6452400EA1B6F9CA1FB3D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_A4A9B88A8C61D5383B4DB6F9CA1F0A93" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_D802C2D928B216208A35B6F9CA1FC476_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_A4A9B88A8C61D5383B4DB6F9CA1F0A93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_D802C2D928B216208A35B6F9CA1FC476_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_D802C2D928B216208A35B6F9CA1FC476" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_A4A9B88A8C61D5383B4DB6F9CA1F0A93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_D802C2D928B216208A35B6F9CA1FC476" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_BDE5558358D8E49BF956B6F9CA1F4857" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_572D39200A6A4F13762FB6F9CA1F54C6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_BDE5558358D8E49BF956B6F9CA1F4857" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_B10E51E11128AB9A0F75B6F9CA1FE780" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_BDE5558358D8E49BF956B6F9CA1F4857" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_B10E51E11128AB9A0F75B6F9CA1FE780" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross_DFC6E0777416251FF1C8B6F9CA1F7231" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_BDE5558358D8E49BF956B6F9CA1F4857" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross_DFC6E0777416251FF1C8B6F9CA1F7231" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_B9C2B1A7CEDB6DD9DEB8B6F9CA1F452D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_BDE5558358D8E49BF956B6F9CA1F4857" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_B9C2B1A7CEDB6DD9DEB8B6F9CA1F452D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod_E348818CB15CA32C2C0EB6F9CA1FC086" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_BDE5558358D8E49BF956B6F9CA1F4857" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod_E348818CB15CA32C2C0EB6F9CA1FC086" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_567A691EDCC1166F93A9B6F9CA1F863F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_572D39200A6A4F13762FB6F9CA1F54C6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_567A691EDCC1166F93A9B6F9CA1F863F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_01E05B63243DF3B1184FB6F9CA1F16C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_567A691EDCC1166F93A9B6F9CA1F863F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_01E05B63243DF3B1184FB6F9CA1F16C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_01AC34DCEBBB74A19C5CB6F9CA1FEFD3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_567A691EDCC1166F93A9B6F9CA1F863F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_01AC34DCEBBB74A19C5CB6F9CA1FEFD3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_0DD2C9D542A1B9F23931B6F9CA1FF151" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_567A691EDCC1166F93A9B6F9CA1F863F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_0DD2C9D542A1B9F23931B6F9CA1FF151" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_F1ED6FAE58978AE9E6E1B6F9CA2086F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_567A691EDCC1166F93A9B6F9CA1F863F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_F1ED6FAE58978AE9E6E1B6F9CA2086F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber_2DDF4C034EAF41462C9CB6F9CA20011B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_567A691EDCC1166F93A9B6F9CA1F863F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber_2DDF4C034EAF41462C9CB6F9CA20011B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice_A401E42BDDCA568B9912B6F9CA208C7B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_567A691EDCC1166F93A9B6F9CA1F863F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice_A401E42BDDCA568B9912B6F9CA208C7B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedNumberOfShares" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedNumberOfShares_D954994F1F2FCD08BEFFB6F9CA20D307" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_567A691EDCC1166F93A9B6F9CA1F863F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedNumberOfShares_D954994F1F2FCD08BEFFB6F9CA20D307" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_197A0EBAAEC9D19023BFB6F9CA206427" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_567A691EDCC1166F93A9B6F9CA1F863F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_197A0EBAAEC9D19023BFB6F9CA206427" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2_CF08DA934057194BF8B4B6F9CA208A35" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_567A691EDCC1166F93A9B6F9CA1F863F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2_CF08DA934057194BF8B4B6F9CA208A35" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1_80D19DA679F86C1F9D2DB6F9CA2003E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_567A691EDCC1166F93A9B6F9CA1F863F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1_80D19DA679F86C1F9D2DB6F9CA2003E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsUnvestedWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm" xlink:label="loc_qep_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsUnvestedWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm_A4F766389CE110B3CAE2B6F9CA208E95" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_567A691EDCC1166F93A9B6F9CA1F863F" xlink:to="loc_qep_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsUnvestedWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm_A4F766389CE110B3CAE2B6F9CA208E95" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue_364A9214E627A82127CDB6F9CA20CA48" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_567A691EDCC1166F93A9B6F9CA1F863F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue_364A9214E627A82127CDB6F9CA20CA48" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1_C5FED27550010046117BB6F9CA20328A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_567A691EDCC1166F93A9B6F9CA1F863F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1_C5FED27550010046117BB6F9CA20328A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsUnvestedIntrinsicValue1" xlink:label="loc_qep_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsUnvestedIntrinsicValue1_72D019E1F5EC50900048B6F9CA20D9B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_567A691EDCC1166F93A9B6F9CA1F863F" xlink:to="loc_qep_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsUnvestedIntrinsicValue1_72D019E1F5EC50900048B6F9CA20D9B4" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/EquityBasedCompensationTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/FairValueMeasurements" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsFairValueAndRelatedCarryingAmountOfCertainFinancialInstrumentsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_6321D663B8B12698D5D7B6F9CA7672C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_004F1B16EE48108F33A9B6F9CA76A472" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_6321D663B8B12698D5D7B6F9CA7672C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_004F1B16EE48108F33A9B6F9CA76A472" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_6C3CDE049BB9FF5CA1C9B6F9CA76C658" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_004F1B16EE48108F33A9B6F9CA76A472" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_6C3CDE049BB9FF5CA1C9B6F9CA76C658" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_DEF142FD5D7892101B27B6F9CA762FE1_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_6C3CDE049BB9FF5CA1C9B6F9CA76C658" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_DEF142FD5D7892101B27B6F9CA762FE1_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_DEF142FD5D7892101B27B6F9CA762FE1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_6C3CDE049BB9FF5CA1C9B6F9CA76C658" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_DEF142FD5D7892101B27B6F9CA762FE1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_DB15637238F4F29C2C22B6F9CA7668EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_DEF142FD5D7892101B27B6F9CA762FE1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_DB15637238F4F29C2C22B6F9CA7668EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember_D8B35152C60512226E2AB6F9CA76B880" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_DEF142FD5D7892101B27B6F9CA762FE1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember_D8B35152C60512226E2AB6F9CA76B880" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_E3E248E55FE85E9D3A58B7DBA54A3D24" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_6321D663B8B12698D5D7B6F9CA7672C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_E3E248E55FE85E9D3A58B7DBA54A3D24" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_19A0A168A189C34A8E94B6F9CA76E6D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_6321D663B8B12698D5D7B6F9CA7672C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_19A0A168A189C34A8E94B6F9CA76E6D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BankOverdrafts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BankOverdrafts_7FB9E0ECE9F8D9F23B18B6F9CA76F107" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_6321D663B8B12698D5D7B6F9CA7672C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BankOverdrafts_7FB9E0ECE9F8D9F23B18B6F9CA76F107" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_A9F20BFB263E6A876AB3B7DCC7235B94" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_6321D663B8B12698D5D7B6F9CA7672C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_A9F20BFB263E6A876AB3B7DCC7235B94" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue_9A6492BD35827D951CB6B6F9CA764E93" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_6321D663B8B12698D5D7B6F9CA7672C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue_9A6492BD35827D951CB6B6F9CA764E93" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresLineItems_82EA4E953DFD970E9C4CD0A5530EEF44" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresTable_87D1851DAC22EF705060D0A5530ED3FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresLineItems_82EA4E953DFD970E9C4CD0A5530EEF44" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresTable_87D1851DAC22EF705060D0A5530ED3FA" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalizedCostsOfUnprovedPropertiesExcludedFromAmortizationByPropertyOrProjectAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalizedCostsOfUnprovedPropertiesExcludedFromAmortizationByPropertyOrProjectAxis_F4B71703A9DA807C27E4D0A5530EFC88" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresTable_87D1851DAC22EF705060D0A5530ED3FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalizedCostsOfUnprovedPropertiesExcludedFromAmortizationByPropertyOrProjectAxis_F4B71703A9DA807C27E4D0A5530EFC88" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProjectMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProjectMember_1D94200D474F2F334A00D0A5530EC48F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CapitalizedCostsOfUnprovedPropertiesExcludedFromAmortizationByPropertyOrProjectAxis_F4B71703A9DA807C27E4D0A5530EFC88" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProjectMember_1D94200D474F2F334A00D0A5530EC48F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProjectMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProjectMember_1D94200D474F2F334A00D0A5530EC48F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CapitalizedCostsOfUnprovedPropertiesExcludedFromAmortizationByPropertyOrProjectAxis_F4B71703A9DA807C27E4D0A5530EFC88" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProjectMember_1D94200D474F2F334A00D0A5530EC48F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_ProvedPropertiesMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_ProvedPropertiesMember_CB6BF563543E2389D5B8D0A5530E1475" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProjectMember_1D94200D474F2F334A00D0A5530EC48F" xlink:to="loc_qep_ProvedPropertiesMember_CB6BF563543E2389D5B8D0A5530E1475" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties_78E9786F6C4902C13AD0D0A5530E987E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresLineItems_82EA4E953DFD970E9C4CD0A5530EEF44" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties_78E9786F6C4902C13AD0D0A5530E987E" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_4BA792E8EE41DC446999B6F9CA7DA67D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_6290EA557D540D6B3858B6F9CA7B96A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_4BA792E8EE41DC446999B6F9CA7DA67D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_6290EA557D540D6B3858B6F9CA7B96A7" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_C9C62B561C60AA5EA367B6F9CA7CB041" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_6290EA557D540D6B3858B6F9CA7B96A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_C9C62B561C60AA5EA367B6F9CA7CB041" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_F6F0B2165E944F740952B6F9CA7C3D61_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_C9C62B561C60AA5EA367B6F9CA7CB041" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_F6F0B2165E944F740952B6F9CA7C3D61_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_F6F0B2165E944F740952B6F9CA7C3D61" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_C9C62B561C60AA5EA367B6F9CA7CB041" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_F6F0B2165E944F740952B6F9CA7C3D61" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_LongTermMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_LongTermMember_3E8BBFAE7D7FF0B762FCB6F9CA7C0F5B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_F6F0B2165E944F740952B6F9CA7C3D61" xlink:to="loc_qep_LongTermMember_3E8BBFAE7D7FF0B762FCB6F9CA7C0F5B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_ShortTermMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_ShortTermMember_39CA2FE6F3585FF5964FB6F9CA7CC98F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_F6F0B2165E944F740952B6F9CA7C3D61" xlink:to="loc_qep_ShortTermMember_39CA2FE6F3585FF5964FB6F9CA7CC98F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_FE0377E9531B87871E03B6F9CA7CF6DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_6290EA557D540D6B3858B6F9CA7B96A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_FE0377E9531B87871E03B6F9CA7CF6DC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_3D536FBE1D63013AE19FB6F9CA7C8084_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_FE0377E9531B87871E03B6F9CA7CF6DC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_3D536FBE1D63013AE19FB6F9CA7C8084_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_3D536FBE1D63013AE19FB6F9CA7C8084" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_FE0377E9531B87871E03B6F9CA7CF6DC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_3D536FBE1D63013AE19FB6F9CA7C8084" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_7045314A6BD611C4BD43B6F9CA7C434D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_3D536FBE1D63013AE19FB6F9CA7C8084" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_7045314A6BD611C4BD43B6F9CA7C434D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommodityContractMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommodityContractMember_16EADBE89FB871EAF631B6F9CA7CBCE4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_3D536FBE1D63013AE19FB6F9CA7C8084" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommodityContractMember_16EADBE89FB871EAF631B6F9CA7CBCE4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_826D32E08D0703D8CBCAB6F9CA7C7184" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_6290EA557D540D6B3858B6F9CA7B96A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_826D32E08D0703D8CBCAB6F9CA7C7184" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_58801B927FE09A85BB9CB6F9CA7C1DAC_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_826D32E08D0703D8CBCAB6F9CA7C7184" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_58801B927FE09A85BB9CB6F9CA7C1DAC_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_58801B927FE09A85BB9CB6F9CA7C1DAC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_826D32E08D0703D8CBCAB6F9CA7C7184" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_58801B927FE09A85BB9CB6F9CA7C1DAC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_4DC9600125F25E5024F0B6F9CA7CA8CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_58801B927FE09A85BB9CB6F9CA7C1DAC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_4DC9600125F25E5024F0B6F9CA7CA8CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_75D0C453B92C2C5124A1B6F9CA7CB589" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_6290EA557D540D6B3858B6F9CA7B96A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_75D0C453B92C2C5124A1B6F9CA7CB589" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_ADD92FDF3A6ABDF04F1FB6F9CA7CE446_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_75D0C453B92C2C5124A1B6F9CA7CB589" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_ADD92FDF3A6ABDF04F1FB6F9CA7CE446_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_ADD92FDF3A6ABDF04F1FB6F9CA7CE446" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_75D0C453B92C2C5124A1B6F9CA7CB589" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_ADD92FDF3A6ABDF04F1FB6F9CA7CE446" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_331D4AAC128C38ED0E1EB6F9CA7CBEB8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_ADD92FDF3A6ABDF04F1FB6F9CA7CE446" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_331D4AAC128C38ED0E1EB6F9CA7CBEB8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_412F4FD6C8523697BECAB6F9CA7CF811" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_ADD92FDF3A6ABDF04F1FB6F9CA7CE446" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_412F4FD6C8523697BECAB6F9CA7CF811" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_805EC23BC3D123F8B2F1B6F9CA7D6904" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_ADD92FDF3A6ABDF04F1FB6F9CA7CE446" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_805EC23BC3D123F8B2F1B6F9CA7D6904" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_NettingAdjustmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_NettingAdjustmentsMember_7F7D4AA3941C4A0D99A3B6F9CA7D48EB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_ADD92FDF3A6ABDF04F1FB6F9CA7CE446" xlink:to="loc_qep_NettingAdjustmentsMember_7F7D4AA3941C4A0D99A3B6F9CA7D48EB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_E7E59E1189FAE0274FFAB7D9D67FCF70" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_4BA792E8EE41DC446999B6F9CA7DA67D" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_E7E59E1189FAE0274FFAB7D9D67FCF70" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsAbstract_B24B7711EA8CAB96D3FBB6F9CA7DEF49" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_4BA792E8EE41DC446999B6F9CA7DA67D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsAbstract_B24B7711EA8CAB96D3FBB6F9CA7DEF49" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_68529620092FE006DE84B6F9CA7DCCFE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsAbstract_B24B7711EA8CAB96D3FBB6F9CA7DEF49" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_68529620092FE006DE84B6F9CA7DCCFE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAssetAmountOffsetAgainstCollateral" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAssetAmountOffsetAgainstCollateral_EFE15DD1C519C2EB0612B6F9CA7DA75D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsAbstract_B24B7711EA8CAB96D3FBB6F9CA7DEF49" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAssetAmountOffsetAgainstCollateral_EFE15DD1C519C2EB0612B6F9CA7DA75D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesAbstract_BA067154F77AB46660D9B6F9CA7DCC10" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_4BA792E8EE41DC446999B6F9CA7DA67D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesAbstract_BA067154F77AB46660D9B6F9CA7DCC10" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_17428C9AA15FB2B53BC8B6F9CA7DC1FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesAbstract_BA067154F77AB46660D9B6F9CA7DCC10" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_17428C9AA15FB2B53BC8B6F9CA7DC1FE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiabilityAmountOffsetAgainstCollateral" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiabilityAmountOffsetAgainstCollateral_89E10B2BE78CB8A2A6C3B6F9CA7D79C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesAbstract_BA067154F77AB46660D9B6F9CA7DCC10" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiabilityAmountOffsetAgainstCollateral_89E10B2BE78CB8A2A6C3B6F9CA7D79C6" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/IncomeTaxes" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/IncomeTaxesAmountsAndExpirationDatesOfNetOperatingLossAndTaxCreditCarryforwardsDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/IncomeTaxesReconciliationOfStatutoryFederalIncomeTaxRateAndEffectiveTaxRateDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/IncomeTaxesScheduleOfDeferredIncomeTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/IncomeTaxesScheduleOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/OperationsByLineOfBusiness" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/OperationsByLineOfBusinessDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_E248B0FD3D0D6BE5810AB6F9C9CBA2AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_BB15099BEA4715D7D984B6F9C9CA9DDA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_E248B0FD3D0D6BE5810AB6F9C9CBA2AD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_BB15099BEA4715D7D984B6F9C9CA9DDA" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_0E1F6CC61E404089B00CB6F9C9CA3822" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_BB15099BEA4715D7D984B6F9C9CA9DDA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_0E1F6CC61E404089B00CB6F9C9CA3822" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_EFD885BE6B336AE2E226B6F9C9CA0AE7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_0E1F6CC61E404089B00CB6F9C9CA3822" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_EFD885BE6B336AE2E226B6F9C9CA0AE7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_EFD885BE6B336AE2E226B6F9C9CA0AE7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_0E1F6CC61E404089B00CB6F9C9CA3822" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_EFD885BE6B336AE2E226B6F9C9CA0AE7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_QepEnergyMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_QepEnergyMember_D8730BD51A4B40BDC0ACB6F9C9CAA934" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_EFD885BE6B336AE2E226B6F9C9CA0AE7" xlink:to="loc_qep_QepEnergyMember_D8730BD51A4B40BDC0ACB6F9C9CAA934" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_QepMarketingAndOtherMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_QepMarketingAndOtherMember_6188035D6FDE850E593AB6F9C9CA08A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_EFD885BE6B336AE2E226B6F9C9CA0AE7" xlink:to="loc_qep_QepMarketingAndOtherMember_6188035D6FDE850E593AB6F9C9CA08A9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember_000C695B91D851F6CF10B6F9C9CAEFB7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_EFD885BE6B336AE2E226B6F9C9CA0AE7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember_000C695B91D851F6CF10B6F9C9CAEFB7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDiscontinuedOperationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDiscontinuedOperationsMember_F8FA682F97E4EA86A9D5B6F9C9CABD62" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_EFD885BE6B336AE2E226B6F9C9CA0AE7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDiscontinuedOperationsMember_F8FA682F97E4EA86A9D5B6F9C9CABD62" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis_ECE7DE52AFB4CA41AA5CB6F9C9CA3A82" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_BB15099BEA4715D7D984B6F9C9CA9DDA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis_ECE7DE52AFB4CA41AA5CB6F9C9CA3A82" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_24C1EE545959B70E4E4AB6F9C9CB595E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis_ECE7DE52AFB4CA41AA5CB6F9C9CA3A82" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_24C1EE545959B70E4E4AB6F9C9CB595E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_24C1EE545959B70E4E4AB6F9C9CB595E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis_ECE7DE52AFB4CA41AA5CB6F9C9CA3A82" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_24C1EE545959B70E4E4AB6F9C9CB595E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_UnaffiliatedCustomersMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_UnaffiliatedCustomersMember_EECA27C460C220EF27F1B6F9C9CB6378" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_24C1EE545959B70E4E4AB6F9C9CB595E" xlink:to="loc_qep_UnaffiliatedCustomersMember_EECA27C460C220EF27F1B6F9C9CB6378" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember_19BF51F89A7A62FFCDA4B6F9C9CBD86F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_24C1EE545959B70E4E4AB6F9C9CB595E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember_19BF51F89A7A62FFCDA4B6F9C9CBD86F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OilAndGasRevenueAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasRevenueAbstract_38338DBC7FF9CE5B780DB6F9C9CB5FFE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_E248B0FD3D0D6BE5810AB6F9C9CBA2AD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasRevenueAbstract_38338DBC7FF9CE5B780DB6F9C9CB5FFE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OilAndGasRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasRevenue_5E04CCD339BF20110BFFB6F9C9CB60C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasRevenueAbstract_38338DBC7FF9CE5B780DB6F9C9CB5FFE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasRevenue_5E04CCD339BF20110BFFB6F9C9CB60C8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_DD40742A77BD4F63E6F5B6F9C9CB173F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_E248B0FD3D0D6BE5810AB6F9C9CBA2AD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_DD40742A77BD4F63E6F5B6F9C9CB173F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RefiningAndMarketingCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RefiningAndMarketingCosts_AD2FE90F8835CBE08795B6F9C9CB91E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_DD40742A77BD4F63E6F5B6F9C9CB173F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RefiningAndMarketingCosts_AD2FE90F8835CBE08795B6F9C9CB91E8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseOperatingExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeaseOperatingExpense_E54091D869821925E0F2B6F9C9CB8079" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_DD40742A77BD4F63E6F5B6F9C9CB173F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LeaseOperatingExpense_E54091D869821925E0F2B6F9C9CB8079" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShippingHandlingAndTransportationCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShippingHandlingAndTransportationCosts_9FEF0A5760307ACCD0CDB6F9C9CBD774" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_DD40742A77BD4F63E6F5B6F9C9CB173F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShippingHandlingAndTransportationCosts_9FEF0A5760307ACCD0CDB6F9C9CBD774" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GasGatheringTransportationMarketingAndProcessingCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GasGatheringTransportationMarketingAndProcessingCosts_7969333543270B406F79B6F9C9CB6FBD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_DD40742A77BD4F63E6F5B6F9C9CB173F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GasGatheringTransportationMarketingAndProcessingCosts_7969333543270B406F79B6F9C9CB6FBD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_17F76F46C5032FDA62CCB6F9C9CB5979" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_DD40742A77BD4F63E6F5B6F9C9CB173F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_17F76F46C5032FDA62CCB6F9C9CB5979" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductionTaxExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductionTaxExpense_5F4BDAD7255654B9FD61B6F9C9CBBBD1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_DD40742A77BD4F63E6F5B6F9C9CB173F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductionTaxExpense_5F4BDAD7255654B9FD61B6F9C9CBBBD1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResultsOfOperationsDepreciationDepletionAmortizationAndAccretion" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResultsOfOperationsDepreciationDepletionAmortizationAndAccretion_22FA3ACA010250CCFA6AB6F9C9CBD83D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_DD40742A77BD4F63E6F5B6F9C9CB173F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResultsOfOperationsDepreciationDepletionAmortizationAndAccretion_22FA3ACA010250CCFA6AB6F9C9CBD83D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherExpenses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherExpenses_B7008414D07D160FBFB1B6F9C9CB6D4B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_DD40742A77BD4F63E6F5B6F9C9CB173F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherExpenses_B7008414D07D160FBFB1B6F9C9CB6D4B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingExpenses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpenses_73209992E425FB8E8E7AB6F9C9CB8CC8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_E248B0FD3D0D6BE5810AB6F9C9CBA2AD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpenses_73209992E425FB8E8E7AB6F9C9CB8CC8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment_D7DE0F378FF6B9EFF736B6F9C9CCD09E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_E248B0FD3D0D6BE5810AB6F9C9CBA2AD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment_D7DE0F378FF6B9EFF736B6F9C9CCD09E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_56CF0A2CB0D97F13D18CB6F9C9CCEB20" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_E248B0FD3D0D6BE5810AB6F9C9CBA2AD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_56CF0A2CB0D97F13D18CB6F9C9CCEB20" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainOnDerivativeInstrumentsPretax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainOnDerivativeInstrumentsPretax_0FE752955507D8D5BD83B6F9C9CCB05D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_E248B0FD3D0D6BE5810AB6F9C9CBA2AD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainOnDerivativeInstrumentsPretax_0FE752955507D8D5BD83B6F9C9CCB05D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestIncomeOperating" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeOperating_F3AE55BD457472A0389EB6F9C9CC0FFA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_E248B0FD3D0D6BE5810AB6F9C9CBA2AD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeOperating_F3AE55BD457472A0389EB6F9C9CC0FFA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_78EE68E12427EED81AC1B6F9C9CC1F87" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_E248B0FD3D0D6BE5810AB6F9C9CBA2AD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_78EE68E12427EED81AC1B6F9C9CC1F87" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_CACB9B614D318088D3B5B6F9C9CC0813" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_E248B0FD3D0D6BE5810AB6F9C9CBA2AD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_CACB9B614D318088D3B5B6F9C9CC0813" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_0F7D38930FFEDBA181E0B6F9C9CC7D38" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_E248B0FD3D0D6BE5810AB6F9C9CBA2AD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_0F7D38930FFEDBA181E0B6F9C9CC7D38" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_66EA35ED5243AA11A656B6F9C9CC1065" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_E248B0FD3D0D6BE5810AB6F9C9CBA2AD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_66EA35ED5243AA11A656B6F9C9CC1065" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_851E187A4B842D48FB21B6F9C9CC60AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_E248B0FD3D0D6BE5810AB6F9C9CBA2AD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_851E187A4B842D48FB21B6F9C9CC60AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_9766B8CD0431ABD58DC8B6F9C9CCBD04" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_E248B0FD3D0D6BE5810AB6F9C9CBA2AD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_9766B8CD0431ABD58DC8B6F9C9CCBD04" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax_FD0455E3CDD46606FC88B6F9C9CCDE7D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_E248B0FD3D0D6BE5810AB6F9C9CBA2AD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax_FD0455E3CDD46606FC88B6F9C9CCDE7D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_7E278D90AA0EC54F3704B6F9C9CC0040" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_E248B0FD3D0D6BE5810AB6F9C9CBA2AD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_7E278D90AA0EC54F3704B6F9C9CC0040" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_1D0FBF9E5CDBDC03B7A8B6F9C9CC5088" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_E248B0FD3D0D6BE5810AB6F9C9CBA2AD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_1D0FBF9E5CDBDC03B7A8B6F9C9CC5088" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets_4F395A6374F8071A2BA8B6F9C9CCD8A2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_E248B0FD3D0D6BE5810AB6F9C9CBA2AD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets_4F395A6374F8071A2BA8B6F9C9CCD8A2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_AccruedCapitalExpenditures" xlink:label="loc_qep_AccruedCapitalExpenditures_3A511C854120EB76D72EB6F9C9CC4ED3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_E248B0FD3D0D6BE5810AB6F9C9CBA2AD" xlink:to="loc_qep_AccruedCapitalExpenditures_3A511C854120EB76D72EB6F9C9CC4ED3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_64F671ED5DFB5F2E9862B6F9C9CC4C6C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_E248B0FD3D0D6BE5810AB6F9C9CBA2AD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_64F671ED5DFB5F2E9862B6F9C9CC4C6C" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/OperationsByLineOfBusinessTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialInformationUnaudited" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialInformationUnauditedDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectOfFourthQuarterEventsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EffectOfFourthQuarterEventsLineItems_B74979014CB57BAD1F33B6F9C9BD7632" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEffectOfFourthQuarterEventsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEffectOfFourthQuarterEventsTable_971F55A1C983B53071D5B6F9C9BD9850" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EffectOfFourthQuarterEventsLineItems_B74979014CB57BAD1F33B6F9C9BD7632" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEffectOfFourthQuarterEventsTable_971F55A1C983B53071D5B6F9C9BD9850" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis_656AB379F25429DC35C0B6F9C9BDF3C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEffectOfFourthQuarterEventsTable_971F55A1C983B53071D5B6F9C9BD9850" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis_656AB379F25429DC35C0B6F9C9BDF3C7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_CAA5F987AEAD889D7C7DB6F9C9BDEED0_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis_656AB379F25429DC35C0B6F9C9BDF3C7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_CAA5F987AEAD889D7C7DB6F9C9BDEED0_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_CAA5F987AEAD889D7C7DB6F9C9BDEED0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis_656AB379F25429DC35C0B6F9C9BDF3C7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_CAA5F987AEAD889D7C7DB6F9C9BDEED0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember_4AFC003B805539E2CEA8B6F9C9BDA9A2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_CAA5F987AEAD889D7C7DB6F9C9BDEED0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember_4AFC003B805539E2CEA8B6F9C9BDA9A2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDiscontinuedOperationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDiscontinuedOperationsMember_2010DCE83B7CF15C46A6B6F9C9BDE3DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_CAA5F987AEAD889D7C7DB6F9C9BDEED0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDiscontinuedOperationsMember_2010DCE83B7CF15C46A6B6F9C9BDE3DF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OilAndGasRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasRevenue_4E0F8E9900398DB51D02B6F9C9BDEE23" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EffectOfFourthQuarterEventsLineItems_B74979014CB57BAD1F33B6F9C9BD7632" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasRevenue_4E0F8E9900398DB51D02B6F9C9BDEE23" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_C5279BD5C558F16A7032B6F9C9BD1F69" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EffectOfFourthQuarterEventsLineItems_B74979014CB57BAD1F33B6F9C9BD7632" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_C5279BD5C558F16A7032B6F9C9BD1F69" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_74F31AFC6ED1C08E794FB6F9C9BD439B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EffectOfFourthQuarterEventsLineItems_B74979014CB57BAD1F33B6F9C9BD7632" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_74F31AFC6ED1C08E794FB6F9C9BD439B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax_7F3D6F4269B762F60AF2B6F9C9BEF067" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EffectOfFourthQuarterEventsLineItems_B74979014CB57BAD1F33B6F9C9BD7632" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax_7F3D6F4269B762F60AF2B6F9C9BEF067" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_DFEB82FC12C1DA1B0FABB6F9C9BE1641" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EffectOfFourthQuarterEventsLineItems_B74979014CB57BAD1F33B6F9C9BD7632" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_DFEB82FC12C1DA1B0FABB6F9C9BE1641" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_NonrecurringIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_qep_NonrecurringIncomeLoss_B5202B1EECF02C280649B6F9C9BE35C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EffectOfFourthQuarterEventsLineItems_B74979014CB57BAD1F33B6F9C9BD7632" xlink:to="loc_qep_NonrecurringIncomeLoss_B5202B1EECF02C280649B6F9C9BE35C4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_333B04F4330F129E4914B6F9C9BE91A2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EffectOfFourthQuarterEventsLineItems_B74979014CB57BAD1F33B6F9C9BD7632" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_333B04F4330F129E4914B6F9C9BE91A2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_C1A3C922B42DA7ABE413B6F9C9BEE842" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EffectOfFourthQuarterEventsLineItems_B74979014CB57BAD1F33B6F9C9BD7632" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_C1A3C922B42DA7ABE413B6F9C9BEE842" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialInformationUnauditedTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/RestructuringCosts" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/RestructuringCostsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/RestructuringCostsScheduleOfRestructuringCostsByLineOfBusinessDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_061C0412ADCB8EAD19BAB6F9CA51327F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_AC5D30F7A83BCCB4CF06B6F9CA51E2F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_061C0412ADCB8EAD19BAB6F9CA51327F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_AC5D30F7A83BCCB4CF06B6F9CA51E2F6" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_49D104BC8DF2BF86FE0DB6F9CA513EA0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_AC5D30F7A83BCCB4CF06B6F9CA51E2F6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_49D104BC8DF2BF86FE0DB6F9CA513EA0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_D0B48279C0E205A9968FB6F9CA511208_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_49D104BC8DF2BF86FE0DB6F9CA513EA0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_D0B48279C0E205A9968FB6F9CA511208_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_D0B48279C0E205A9968FB6F9CA511208" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_49D104BC8DF2BF86FE0DB6F9CA513EA0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_D0B48279C0E205A9968FB6F9CA511208" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_QepEnergyMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_QepEnergyMember_81ECDB59F8CF9C19DBDAB6F9CA51BDB7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_D0B48279C0E205A9968FB6F9CA511208" xlink:to="loc_qep_QepEnergyMember_81ECDB59F8CF9C19DBDAB6F9CA51BDB7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_QepMarketingMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_QepMarketingMember_F37AC2DBFDE12D8AF843B6F9CA51A9F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_D0B48279C0E205A9968FB6F9CA511208" xlink:to="loc_qep_QepMarketingMember_F37AC2DBFDE12D8AF843B6F9CA51A9F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_1FBA706110A327C2565DB6F9CA514D74" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_AC5D30F7A83BCCB4CF06B6F9CA51E2F6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_1FBA706110A327C2565DB6F9CA514D74" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_C884ECBCBFD692F1FC1EB6F9CA51B992_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_1FBA706110A327C2565DB6F9CA514D74" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_C884ECBCBFD692F1FC1EB6F9CA51B992_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_C884ECBCBFD692F1FC1EB6F9CA51B992" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_1FBA706110A327C2565DB6F9CA514D74" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_C884ECBCBFD692F1FC1EB6F9CA51B992" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OneTimeTerminationBenefitsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OneTimeTerminationBenefitsMember_83396A1B0AFF923B90A5B6F9CA51274C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_C884ECBCBFD692F1FC1EB6F9CA51B992" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OneTimeTerminationBenefitsMember_83396A1B0AFF923B90A5B6F9CA51274C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeRelocationMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeRelocationMember_08FDEF41BC12AB426B76B6F9CA513123" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_C884ECBCBFD692F1FC1EB6F9CA51B992" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeRelocationMember_08FDEF41BC12AB426B76B6F9CA513123" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FacilityClosingMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FacilityClosingMember_1583740ECA5D2219089AB6F9CA514656" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_C884ECBCBFD692F1FC1EB6F9CA51B992" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FacilityClosingMember_1583740ECA5D2219089AB6F9CA514656" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1_33AAC813B7BAD2B093F6B6F9CA51770F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_061C0412ADCB8EAD19BAB6F9CA51327F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1_33AAC813B7BAD2B093F6B6F9CA51770F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostCostIncurredToDate1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostCostIncurredToDate1_D0522FCB76FAFCCF2646B6F9CA516BB8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_061C0412ADCB8EAD19BAB6F9CA51327F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostCostIncurredToDate1_D0522FCB76FAFCCF2646B6F9CA516BB8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_ABEC2694A9C5E872DEADB6F9CA510302" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_061C0412ADCB8EAD19BAB6F9CA51327F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_ABEC2694A9C5E872DEADB6F9CA510302" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/RestructuringCostsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/ScheduleOfValuationAndQualifyingAccounts" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/ScheduleOfValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureLineItems_16EACB54C6CCFA82BE51B6F9C98F0ACF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureTable_1C6B7E6B2166FE6CBA67B6F9C98D3736" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureLineItems_16EACB54C6CCFA82BE51B6F9C98F0ACF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureTable_1C6B7E6B2166FE6CBA67B6F9C98D3736" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis_D625B94C679FF6C72118B6F9C98D72C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureTable_1C6B7E6B2166FE6CBA67B6F9C98D3736" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis_D625B94C679FF6C72118B6F9C98D72C8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain_BF7AA5E4D2E70D2F9A89B6F9C98D9E83_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis_D625B94C679FF6C72118B6F9C98D72C8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain_BF7AA5E4D2E70D2F9A89B6F9C98D9E83_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain_BF7AA5E4D2E70D2F9A89B6F9C98D9E83" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis_D625B94C679FF6C72118B6F9C98D72C8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain_BF7AA5E4D2E70D2F9A89B6F9C98D9E83" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsMember_3855EDCD6C3F5DA4A6A1B6F9C98E7F22" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain_BF7AA5E4D2E70D2F9A89B6F9C98D9E83" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsMember_3855EDCD6C3F5DA4A6A1B6F9C98E7F22" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesBalance" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesBalance_204F5E2FF18F58810747B6F9C98F648E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureLineItems_16EACB54C6CCFA82BE51B6F9C98F0ACF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesBalance_204F5E2FF18F58810747B6F9C98F648E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts_11A9D23E77EF0726FD1DB6F9C98FEE41" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureLineItems_16EACB54C6CCFA82BE51B6F9C98F0ACF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts_11A9D23E77EF0726FD1DB6F9C98FEE41" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDeductions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDeductions_931BD94A345012D57498B6F9C98F99FB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureLineItems_16EACB54C6CCFA82BE51B6F9C98F0ACF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDeductions_931BD94A345012D57498B6F9C98F99FB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivable_2296D794C2CAB4B03593B6F9C98FFC72" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureLineItems_16EACB54C6CCFA82BE51B6F9C98F0ACF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivable_2296D794C2CAB4B03593B6F9C98FFC72" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAccountsReceivableTradeDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesCashAndCashEquivalentsDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesCreditRiskDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems_2859963DC8E9C5FF9750A78E2ED1A0AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable_FB28EC36043877CBC85CA78E2ED0050E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems_2859963DC8E9C5FF9750A78E2ED1A0AA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable_FB28EC36043877CBC85CA78E2ED0050E" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_B552BA45199664ECA8F9A78E2ED17D86" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable_FB28EC36043877CBC85CA78E2ED0050E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_B552BA45199664ECA8F9A78E2ED17D86" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_56C99221426ABBE59ED8A78E2ED1CE04_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_B552BA45199664ECA8F9A78E2ED17D86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_56C99221426ABBE59ED8A78E2ED1CE04_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_56C99221426ABBE59ED8A78E2ED1CE04" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_B552BA45199664ECA8F9A78E2ED17D86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_56C99221426ABBE59ED8A78E2ED1CE04" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_ValeroMarketingAndSupplyCompanyMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_ValeroMarketingAndSupplyCompanyMember_3D4A9974597392D6EC96A78E2ED11592" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_56C99221426ABBE59ED8A78E2ED1CE04" xlink:to="loc_qep_ValeroMarketingAndSupplyCompanyMember_3D4A9974597392D6EC96A78E2ED11592" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_FreepointCommoditiesMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_FreepointCommoditiesMember_290B6B30FC933490B607A794382D7645" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_56C99221426ABBE59ED8A78E2ED1CE04" xlink:to="loc_qep_FreepointCommoditiesMember_290B6B30FC933490B607A794382D7645" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_ArrowMidstreamHoldingsLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_ArrowMidstreamHoldingsLLCMember_722B48DA562D49B2B395A7929B9BDA22" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_56C99221426ABBE59ED8A78E2ED1CE04" xlink:to="loc_qep_ArrowMidstreamHoldingsLLCMember_722B48DA562D49B2B395A7929B9BDA22" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1_13D952ABE56C863F3258A78E2ED1F096" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems_2859963DC8E9C5FF9750A78E2ED1A0AA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1_13D952ABE56C863F3258A78E2ED1F096" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDerivativeInstrumentsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_757CC41409BA53DE92B13B916E3B465D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_C0386B010030717A4CE63B916E3B7219" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_757CC41409BA53DE92B13B916E3B465D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_C0386B010030717A4CE63B916E3B7219" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis_4246DCF34B9FF034B8343B916E3BC17A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_C0386B010030717A4CE63B916E3B7219" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis_4246DCF34B9FF034B8343B916E3BC17A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain_B0FDD49334A10FF6005E3B916E3B0939_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis_4246DCF34B9FF034B8343B916E3BC17A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain_B0FDD49334A10FF6005E3B916E3B0939_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain_B0FDD49334A10FF6005E3B916E3B0939" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis_4246DCF34B9FF034B8343B916E3BC17A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain_B0FDD49334A10FF6005E3B916E3B0939" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives_EB3B1BE569332DC699883B916E3BA757" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_757CC41409BA53DE92B13B916E3B465D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives_EB3B1BE569332DC699883B916E3BA757" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCumulativeChangesInGainLossFromCashFlowHedgesEffectBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_qep_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCumulativeChangesInGainLossFromCashFlowHedgesEffectBeforeTax_1344B8E215C8983FA9D33B916E3B2DFD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_757CC41409BA53DE92B13B916E3B465D" xlink:to="loc_qep_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCumulativeChangesInGainLossFromCashFlowHedgesEffectBeforeTax_1344B8E215C8983FA9D33B916E3B2DFD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCumulativeChangesInNetGainLossFromCashFlowHedgesEffectNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCumulativeChangesInNetGainLossFromCashFlowHedgesEffectNetOfTax_AE243D9346F5C4E31E953B916E3BCAA4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_757CC41409BA53DE92B13B916E3B465D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCumulativeChangesInNetGainLossFromCashFlowHedgesEffectNetOfTax_AE243D9346F5C4E31E953B916E3BCAA4" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesEarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedLineItems_A47E1AA64908AD9C10A83B917452F6A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareDilutedByCommonClassTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareDilutedByCommonClassTable_74AE4AFE272236B953483B917452190E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedLineItems_A47E1AA64908AD9C10A83B917452F6A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareDilutedByCommonClassTable_74AE4AFE272236B953483B917452190E" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_165278559A20D82506413B9174528912" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareDilutedByCommonClassTable_74AE4AFE272236B953483B917452190E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_165278559A20D82506413B9174528912" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_80748D5617097C77E5953B9174522440_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_165278559A20D82506413B9174528912" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_80748D5617097C77E5953B9174522440_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_80748D5617097C77E5953B9174522440" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_165278559A20D82506413B9174528912" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_80748D5617097C77E5953B9174522440" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_A60CD14A9F737530B47C3BB3AD6F64E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedLineItems_A47E1AA64908AD9C10A83B917452F6A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_A60CD14A9F737530B47C3BB3AD6F64E4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_207D3683F6BDB8ED749C3B91745357B3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedLineItems_A47E1AA64908AD9C10A83B917452F6A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_207D3683F6BDB8ED749C3B91745357B3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements_37A980BEEA13F107D89E3B9174538B6C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedLineItems_A47E1AA64908AD9C10A83B917452F6A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements_37A980BEEA13F107D89E3B9174538B6C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_6D3E8DCE7DAC1A6FDE1C3B917453395D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedLineItems_A47E1AA64908AD9C10A83B917452F6A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_6D3E8DCE7DAC1A6FDE1C3B917453395D" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesGoodwillDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_2AFBF8DE9A5B8EBA13F03BC1E3AD0F93" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_D60099575A70CE9F39803BC1E3ACB2BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_2AFBF8DE9A5B8EBA13F03BC1E3AD0F93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_D60099575A70CE9F39803BC1E3ACB2BB" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_5E2977E266B5D6888C163BC1E3AC8895" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_D60099575A70CE9F39803BC1E3ACB2BB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_5E2977E266B5D6888C163BC1E3AC8895" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_5AD90E8FB96F7E3F30213BC1E3AD522A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_5E2977E266B5D6888C163BC1E3AC8895" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_5AD90E8FB96F7E3F30213BC1E3AD522A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_5AD90E8FB96F7E3F30213BC1E3AD522A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_5E2977E266B5D6888C163BC1E3AC8895" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_5AD90E8FB96F7E3F30213BC1E3AD522A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_70913C4B05D4201FF0923BC1E3AD69D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_2AFBF8DE9A5B8EBA13F03BC1E3AD0F93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_70913C4B05D4201FF0923BC1E3AD69D7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_0DA86539125B2F7E8C2B3BC1E3B3628B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_2AFBF8DE9A5B8EBA13F03BC1E3AD0F93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_0DA86539125B2F7E8C2B3BC1E3B3628B" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairedLongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ImpairedLongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedLineItems_F6542D6429FC20AEB903A345E19BBB57" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfImpairedLongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfImpairedLongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedTable_A4431454EACB04163B01A345E19A8FB3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ImpairedLongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedLineItems_F6542D6429FC20AEB903A345E19BBB57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfImpairedLongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedTable_A4431454EACB04163B01A345E19A8FB3" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_4E3C5D53EBB4FC7F3892A345E19AC1E3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfImpairedLongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedTable_A4431454EACB04163B01A345E19A8FB3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_4E3C5D53EBB4FC7F3892A345E19AC1E3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_46BC378B77FE26FC9E55A345E19AAEB9_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_4E3C5D53EBB4FC7F3892A345E19AC1E3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_46BC378B77FE26FC9E55A345E19AAEB9_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_46BC378B77FE26FC9E55A345E19AAEB9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_4E3C5D53EBB4FC7F3892A345E19AC1E3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_46BC378B77FE26FC9E55A345E19AAEB9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_SouthernRegionMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_SouthernRegionMember_2F46FA99FE2519FD9EC5A345E19A19E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_46BC378B77FE26FC9E55A345E19AAEB9" xlink:to="loc_qep_SouthernRegionMember_2F46FA99FE2519FD9EC5A345E19A19E8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_NorthernRegionMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_NorthernRegionMember_F8EF6A20786D41EC8D16A345E19A0161" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_46BC378B77FE26FC9E55A345E19AAEB9" xlink:to="loc_qep_NorthernRegionMember_F8EF6A20786D41EC8D16A345E19A0161" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalizedCostsOfUnprovedPropertiesExcludedFromAmortizationByPropertyOrProjectAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalizedCostsOfUnprovedPropertiesExcludedFromAmortizationByPropertyOrProjectAxis_22DE0F7BDDD89AF5056AA345E19A35F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfImpairedLongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedTable_A4431454EACB04163B01A345E19A8FB3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalizedCostsOfUnprovedPropertiesExcludedFromAmortizationByPropertyOrProjectAxis_22DE0F7BDDD89AF5056AA345E19A35F2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProjectMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProjectMember_8F9F39814499FA538D25A345E19BE83A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CapitalizedCostsOfUnprovedPropertiesExcludedFromAmortizationByPropertyOrProjectAxis_22DE0F7BDDD89AF5056AA345E19A35F2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProjectMember_8F9F39814499FA538D25A345E19BE83A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProjectMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProjectMember_8F9F39814499FA538D25A345E19BE83A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CapitalizedCostsOfUnprovedPropertiesExcludedFromAmortizationByPropertyOrProjectAxis_22DE0F7BDDD89AF5056AA345E19A35F2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProjectMember_8F9F39814499FA538D25A345E19BE83A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_ProvedPropertiesMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_ProvedPropertiesMember_0909837628AC44265091A345E19BD3C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProjectMember_8F9F39814499FA538D25A345E19BE83A" xlink:to="loc_qep_ProvedPropertiesMember_0909837628AC44265091A345E19BD3C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_UnprovedPropertiesMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_UnprovedPropertiesMember_A1A89B5825A1FCDDA45AA345E19B11A4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProjectMember_8F9F39814499FA538D25A345E19BE83A" xlink:to="loc_qep_UnprovedPropertiesMember_A1A89B5825A1FCDDA45AA345E19B11A4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_89432E853D496DA0348FA345E19B0EA3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ImpairedLongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedLineItems_F6542D6429FC20AEB903A345E19BBB57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_89432E853D496DA0348FA345E19B0EA3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties_411BCBFFE9EE17913CEFA345E19B2C03" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ImpairedLongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedLineItems_F6542D6429FC20AEB903A345E19BBB57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties_411BCBFFE9EE17913CEFA345E19B2C03" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_8C06DAA94C41D00BDA98A345E19BB9F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ImpairedLongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedLineItems_F6542D6429FC20AEB903A345E19BBB57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_8C06DAA94C41D00BDA98A345E19BB9F8" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesIncomeTaxesDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesNatureOfBusinessDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_B1A650AE8F0D39C7448B3B91666A54A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_662A0F13366D9E7CD40A3B916668F902" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_B1A650AE8F0D39C7448B3B91666A54A5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_662A0F13366D9E7CD40A3B916668F902" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_8077BC78C8D9F34037E23B916668AB2C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_662A0F13366D9E7CD40A3B916668F902" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_8077BC78C8D9F34037E23B916668AB2C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_4D1AF9697B5F6F24D7B53B916668F0C1_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_8077BC78C8D9F34037E23B916668AB2C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_4D1AF9697B5F6F24D7B53B916668F0C1_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_4D1AF9697B5F6F24D7B53B916668F0C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_8077BC78C8D9F34037E23B916668AB2C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_4D1AF9697B5F6F24D7B53B916668F0C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BuildingMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BuildingMember_0449AF32CDE80CA96EFC3B916668A68A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_4D1AF9697B5F6F24D7B53B916668F0C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BuildingMember_0449AF32CDE80CA96EFC3B916668A68A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsMember_9AA8250A9BBC7A2CFB713B91666904EB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_4D1AF9697B5F6F24D7B53B916668F0C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsMember_9AA8250A9BBC7A2CFB713B91666904EB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquipmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquipmentMember_F307ED1EA897AC8868EF3B9166693C47" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_4D1AF9697B5F6F24D7B53B916668F0C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquipmentMember_F307ED1EA897AC8868EF3B9166693C47" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember_7E0A574F4822B5DD29A73B916669213C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_4D1AF9697B5F6F24D7B53B916668F0C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember_7E0A574F4822B5DD29A73B916669213C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_26BAF8E2F9F94DFDC37D3B916669ADD8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_662A0F13366D9E7CD40A3B916668F902" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_26BAF8E2F9F94DFDC37D3B916669ADD8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_3C45EA29B4CE7F4B0EA23B91666966A7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_26BAF8E2F9F94DFDC37D3B916669ADD8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_3C45EA29B4CE7F4B0EA23B91666966A7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_3C45EA29B4CE7F4B0EA23B91666966A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_26BAF8E2F9F94DFDC37D3B916669ADD8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_3C45EA29B4CE7F4B0EA23B91666966A7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_E5201CE562E5EF55828B3B916669E2A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_3C45EA29B4CE7F4B0EA23B91666966A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_E5201CE562E5EF55828B3B916669E2A8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_1F47D22DB7270163C8FF3B916669E7C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_3C45EA29B4CE7F4B0EA23B91666966A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_1F47D22DB7270163C8FF3B916669E7C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife_AA5C2B5F74D127A0E1A73B91666A2460" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_B1A650AE8F0D39C7448B3B91666A54A5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife_AA5C2B5F74D127A0E1A73B91666A2460" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesRevenueRecognitionDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesShareRepurchasesAndRetirementsDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/SupplementalGasAndOilInformationUnaudited" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/SupplementalGasAndOilInformationUnauditedAveragePricePerUnitDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AverageSalesPriceAndProductionCostsPerUnitOfProductionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AverageSalesPriceAndProductionCostsPerUnitOfProductionLineItems_F5CD977DEA1E8FE3B309CB4C46A87453" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AverageSalesPriceAndProductionCostsPerUnitOfProductionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AverageSalesPriceAndProductionCostsPerUnitOfProductionTable_47B4449BB57C9227725BCB4C46A755B5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AverageSalesPriceAndProductionCostsPerUnitOfProductionLineItems_F5CD977DEA1E8FE3B309CB4C46A87453" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AverageSalesPriceAndProductionCostsPerUnitOfProductionTable_47B4449BB57C9227725BCB4C46A755B5" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReserveQuantitiesByTypeOfReserveAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReserveQuantitiesByTypeOfReserveAxis_98BCE0F53CCC7D87C272CB4C46A7E5F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AverageSalesPriceAndProductionCostsPerUnitOfProductionTable_47B4449BB57C9227725BCB4C46A755B5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReserveQuantitiesByTypeOfReserveAxis_98BCE0F53CCC7D87C272CB4C46A7E5F2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfReserveDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfReserveDomain_02DCBC1698C99432B846CB4C46A7757D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReserveQuantitiesByTypeOfReserveAxis_98BCE0F53CCC7D87C272CB4C46A7E5F2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfReserveDomain_02DCBC1698C99432B846CB4C46A7757D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfReserveDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfReserveDomain_02DCBC1698C99432B846CB4C46A7757D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReserveQuantitiesByTypeOfReserveAxis_98BCE0F53CCC7D87C272CB4C46A7E5F2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfReserveDomain_02DCBC1698C99432B846CB4C46A7757D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NaturalGasReservesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NaturalGasReservesMember_D106EFDAA8C8ECD039CCCB4C46A76BDD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfReserveDomain_02DCBC1698C99432B846CB4C46A7757D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NaturalGasReservesMember_D106EFDAA8C8ECD039CCCB4C46A76BDD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OilReservesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OilReservesMember_C9C28EC5A0DA6EA81070CB4C46A8D155" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfReserveDomain_02DCBC1698C99432B846CB4C46A7757D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OilReservesMember_C9C28EC5A0DA6EA81070CB4C46A8D155" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AverageSalesPrices" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AverageSalesPrices_7568EF4F30F023B2547FCB4C46A8F1D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AverageSalesPriceAndProductionCostsPerUnitOfProductionLineItems_F5CD977DEA1E8FE3B309CB4C46A87453" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AverageSalesPrices_7568EF4F30F023B2547FCB4C46A8F1D6" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/SupplementalGasAndOilInformationUnauditedCapitalizedCostsDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/SupplementalGasAndOilInformationUnauditedChangeInStandardizedMeasureOfFutureCashFlowsDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/SupplementalGasAndOilInformationUnauditedCostsIncurredDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/SupplementalGasAndOilInformationUnauditedEstimatedQuantitiesOfProvedGasAndOilReservesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReserveQuantitiesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReserveQuantitiesLineItems_8BFAC30B382255DE0393B6F9C9A70FD8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProvedDevelopedAndUndevelopedOilAndGasReserveQuantitiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProvedDevelopedAndUndevelopedOilAndGasReserveQuantitiesTable_0E0ED5D27254A573D9C3B6F9C9A65CBF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReserveQuantitiesLineItems_8BFAC30B382255DE0393B6F9C9A70FD8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProvedDevelopedAndUndevelopedOilAndGasReserveQuantitiesTable_0E0ED5D27254A573D9C3B6F9C9A65CBF" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReserveQuantitiesByTypeOfReserveAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReserveQuantitiesByTypeOfReserveAxis_821EBD69D1CC4DB22F59B6F9C9A67ED3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProvedDevelopedAndUndevelopedOilAndGasReserveQuantitiesTable_0E0ED5D27254A573D9C3B6F9C9A65CBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReserveQuantitiesByTypeOfReserveAxis_821EBD69D1CC4DB22F59B6F9C9A67ED3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfReserveDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfReserveDomain_6CD7973CA1CFD98596BEB6F9C9A683C0_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReserveQuantitiesByTypeOfReserveAxis_821EBD69D1CC4DB22F59B6F9C9A67ED3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfReserveDomain_6CD7973CA1CFD98596BEB6F9C9A683C0_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfReserveDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfReserveDomain_6CD7973CA1CFD98596BEB6F9C9A683C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReserveQuantitiesByTypeOfReserveAxis_821EBD69D1CC4DB22F59B6F9C9A67ED3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfReserveDomain_6CD7973CA1CFD98596BEB6F9C9A683C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NaturalGasReservesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NaturalGasReservesMember_F8119C8A8309D60E4A1AB6F9C9A66260" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfReserveDomain_6CD7973CA1CFD98596BEB6F9C9A683C0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NaturalGasReservesMember_F8119C8A8309D60E4A1AB6F9C9A66260" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OilReservesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OilReservesMember_6BEA18926A1293BE84EAB6F9C9A6E634" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfReserveDomain_6CD7973CA1CFD98596BEB6F9C9A683C0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OilReservesMember_6BEA18926A1293BE84EAB6F9C9A6E634" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NaturalGasLiquidsReservesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NaturalGasLiquidsReservesMember_0ACFE84FA759B44ED222B6F9C9A78C8F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfReserveDomain_6CD7973CA1CFD98596BEB6F9C9A683C0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NaturalGasLiquidsReservesMember_0ACFE84FA759B44ED222B6F9C9A78C8F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="qep-20141231.xsd#qep_TotalReservesNaturalGasEquivalentMember" xlink:label="loc_qep_TotalReservesNaturalGasEquivalentMember_55521713BF615CB553EEB6F9C9A728C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfReserveDomain_6CD7973CA1CFD98596BEB6F9C9A683C0" xlink:to="loc_qep_TotalReservesNaturalGasEquivalentMember_55521713BF615CB553EEB6F9C9A728C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReservesUnitOfMeasure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReservesUnitOfMeasure_7C7AC693686DFECB3FB7B6F9C9A716A4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReserveQuantitiesLineItems_8BFAC30B382255DE0393B6F9C9A70FD8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReservesUnitOfMeasure_7C7AC693686DFECB3FB7B6F9C9A716A4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProvedDevelopedAndUndevelopedReservesNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProvedDevelopedAndUndevelopedReservesNet_204C9C2D790E64FBCCBDB6F9C9A72622" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReserveQuantitiesLineItems_8BFAC30B382255DE0393B6F9C9A70FD8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProvedDevelopedAndUndevelopedReservesNet_204C9C2D790E64FBCCBDB6F9C9A72622" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProvedDevelopedAndUndevelopedReservesRevisionsOfPreviousEstimatesIncreaseDecrease" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProvedDevelopedAndUndevelopedReservesRevisionsOfPreviousEstimatesIncreaseDecrease_40ADEBFEDE7BE54387E6B6F9C9A7F583" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReserveQuantitiesLineItems_8BFAC30B382255DE0393B6F9C9A70FD8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProvedDevelopedAndUndevelopedReservesRevisionsOfPreviousEstimatesIncreaseDecrease_40ADEBFEDE7BE54387E6B6F9C9A7F583" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProvedDevelopedAndUndevelopedReservesExtensionsDiscoveriesAndAdditions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProvedDevelopedAndUndevelopedReservesExtensionsDiscoveriesAndAdditions_A2453B030B2C2E1AC1EEB6F9C9A7C477" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReserveQuantitiesLineItems_8BFAC30B382255DE0393B6F9C9A70FD8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProvedDevelopedAndUndevelopedReservesExtensionsDiscoveriesAndAdditions_A2453B030B2C2E1AC1EEB6F9C9A7C477" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProvedDevelopedAndUndevelopedReservesPurchasesOfMineralsInPlace" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProvedDevelopedAndUndevelopedReservesPurchasesOfMineralsInPlace_061106EA6CDF145C3C16B6F9C9A7CEDD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReserveQuantitiesLineItems_8BFAC30B382255DE0393B6F9C9A70FD8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProvedDevelopedAndUndevelopedReservesPurchasesOfMineralsInPlace_061106EA6CDF145C3C16B6F9C9A7CEDD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProvedDevelopedAndUndevelopedReservesSalesOfMineralsInPlace" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProvedDevelopedAndUndevelopedReservesSalesOfMineralsInPlace_7EEF88D72D9E67C72AF3B6F9C9A72845" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReserveQuantitiesLineItems_8BFAC30B382255DE0393B6F9C9A70FD8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProvedDevelopedAndUndevelopedReservesSalesOfMineralsInPlace_7EEF88D72D9E67C72AF3B6F9C9A72845" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProvedDevelopedAndUndevelopedReservesProduction" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProvedDevelopedAndUndevelopedReservesProduction_4AAD174B98D76A30D5E4B6F9C9A71745" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReserveQuantitiesLineItems_8BFAC30B382255DE0393B6F9C9A70FD8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProvedDevelopedAndUndevelopedReservesProduction_4AAD174B98D76A30D5E4B6F9C9A71745" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProvedDevelopedReservesVolume" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProvedDevelopedReservesVolume_2308DA50097909FACB7AB6F9C9A7D639" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReserveQuantitiesLineItems_8BFAC30B382255DE0393B6F9C9A70FD8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProvedDevelopedReservesVolume_2308DA50097909FACB7AB6F9C9A7D639" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProvedUndevelopedReserveVolume" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProvedUndevelopedReserveVolume_95F76EBE186E395C064DB6F9C9A7DAB9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReserveQuantitiesLineItems_8BFAC30B382255DE0393B6F9C9A70FD8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProvedUndevelopedReserveVolume_95F76EBE186E395C064DB6F9C9A7DAB9" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/SupplementalGasAndOilInformationUnauditedFutureDevelopmentCostsDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/SupplementalGasAndOilInformationUnauditedResultsOfOperationsDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/SupplementalGasAndOilInformationUnauditedStandardizedMeasureOfFutureNetCashFlowsDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.qepres.com/role/SupplementalGasAndOilInformationUnauditedTables" xlink:type="extended" />
</linkbase>





