self-reliance

noun

self-re·​li·​ance ˌself-ri-ˈlī-ənts How to pronounce self-reliance (audio)
: reliance on one's own efforts and abilities

Examples of self-reliance in a Sentence

some people don't achieve self-reliance until they're over 30 years old
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.
Business development leaders should underscore how their offerings strengthen U.S. supply chain security and support self-reliance. Barry Reicherter, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024 Broadly speaking, Trump’s reelection will also underscore New Delhi’s quest for self-reliance. Tanvi Madan, Foreign Affairs, 5 Dec. 2024 This alignment with self-reliance and empowerment strengthened HUL's brand as a socially conscious entity. Vivek Rana, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024 Beijing’s hyperfocus on technological self-reliance has meant overinvestment in high-priority sectors, generating oversupply, which has hurt the bottom line of many Chinese companies and generated tensions with trading partners. Scott Kennedy, Foreign Affairs, 26 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for self-reliance 

Word History

First Known Use

1668, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-reliance was in 1668

Dictionary Entries Near self-reliance

Cite this Entry

“Self-reliance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-reliance. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

self-reliance

noun
self-re·​li·​ance
ˌsel-fri-ˈlī-ənts
: trust in one's own efforts and abilities
self-reliant
-ənt
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on self-reliance

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!