self-sufficient

adjective

self-suf·​fi·​cient ˌself-sə-ˈfi-shənt 

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

Synonyms

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

Examples of self-sufficient in a Sentence

the college student worked nights so that he would be self-sufficient

Recent Examples on the Web

The goal is clear: reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and build a self-sufficient technology ecosystem. —Emil Sayegh, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025

This is an extremely remote area with no services; BYO everything, and be prepared to be self-sufficient. —Graham Averill, Outside Online, 3 Mar. 2025

Wilkinson studied agriculture in the 1970s when monoculture was encouraged after a post-World War II drive for the U.K. to import less food and become more self-sufficient. —Lucy Handley, CNBC, 3 Mar. 2025

Gascón and her wife are raising Victoria to be self-sufficient In January 2020, Gascón spoke with Infobae México about how she and Marisa parent their daughter. —Samantha Stutsman, People.com, 2 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1596, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for self-sufficient

• beneficent
• coefficient
• inefficient
• insufficient
• deficient
• efficient
• omniscient
• proficient
• sufficient

Kids Definition

self-sufficient

adjective

self-suf·​fi·​cient

ˌself-sə-ˈfish-ənt

: able to take care of oneself without outside help : independent