self-reliant

adjective

self-re·​li·​ant ˌself-ri-ˈlī-ənt 

: having confidence in and exercising one's own powers or judgment

Synonyms

• independent
• self-dependent
• self-subsistent
• self-subsisting
• self-sufficient
• self-supported
• self-supporting
• self-sustained
• self-sustaining

Examples of self-reliant in a Sentence

a surprisingly calm and self-reliant child

Recent Examples on the Web

Although people in their 60s and 70s may well lead economically active and financially self-reliant lives in the foreseeable future, the same is not true for those in their 80s or older. —Nicholas Eberstadt, Foreign Affairs, 10 Oct. 2024

By harnessing regional savings, Southeast Asia can create more self-reliant and resilient funding environment for its future unicorns. —Shawn Tully, Fortune Asia, 9 Oct. 2024

The organization is dedicated to establishing sustainable, self-reliant projects that uplift the lives of local communities, champion the preservation of great apes, rehabilitate natural environments, and address human-wildlife conflicts. —Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 5 Oct. 2024

This isn’t sustainable if Europe hopes to become more self-reliant in defense, especially as tensions with Russia continue to escalate. —Frank Holmes, Forbes, 23 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined above