self-sufficient

adjective

self-suf·​fi·​cient ˌself-sə-ˈfi-shənt How to pronounce self-sufficient (audio)
1
: able to maintain oneself or itself without outside aid : capable of providing for one's own needs
a self-sufficient farm
2
: having an extreme confidence in one's own ability or worth : haughty, overbearing

Examples of self-sufficient in a Sentence

the college student worked nights so that he would be self-sufficient
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Earlier Tuesday, Bridge Communities in Glen Ellyn, a nonprofit that helps homeless families become self-sufficient, could no longer access the federal grant portal through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 28 Jan. 2025 Most parents have high hopes for their children, aiming to raise self-sufficient individuals who can make thoughtful decisions and tackle life’s challenges independently. Jazmin Towe, Parents, 27 Jan. 2025 By setting a strong foundation for your internal teams to gain the necessary training and continued education, your organization will become more self-sufficient, strengthening functional capabilities and technical expertise. Igor Rikalo, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025 But in the early phase of Taiwan's economic development, the aim was merely to be more self-sufficient, and to become a little bit wealthier. Kerry Brown, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for self-sufficient 

Word History

First Known Use

1596, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-sufficient was in 1596

Dictionary Entries Near self-sufficient

Cite this Entry

“Self-sufficient.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-sufficient. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

self-sufficient

adjective
self-suf·​fi·​cient
ˌself-sə-ˈfish-ənt
: able to take care of oneself without outside help : independent

More from Merriam-Webster on self-sufficient

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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