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.
At first glance, tariffs appear to boost US self-reliance on critical minerals and reduce dependence on foreign imports, generating energy sovereignty and incentivizing the return of production back home. Michaela Rychetska and Aissa Dearing, JSTOR Daily, 13 Feb. 2025 Wandering through an unfamiliar city increases self-reliance. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 12 Feb. 2025 Deep veins of self-reliance and anti-government sentiment run through these mountains. Patrik Jonsson, The Christian Science Monitor, 11 Feb. 2025 The independence and self-reliance that was his greatest source of pride was gone. Christopher O'Donnell, Orlando Sentinel, 7 Feb. 2025 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 20 Feb. 2025.

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!