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.
The key here is making smaller teams self-sufficient to create agility. Matthew Shilts, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025 Turns out, even the most off-grid, self-sufficient, nomadic existence is a construct that can be dismantled, piece by piece. Jessica Kiang, Variety, 15 May 2025 Given their background, these dogs are usually very self-sufficient and may take time to adjust after being rescued. Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025 Like many 18 year olds, my grief is composed and self-sufficient one moment, then reckless, loud, and needy the next. Rebecca Soffer, Time, 10 May 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-sufficient.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-sufficient. Accessed 20 May. 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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