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 of self-sufficient

• independent

Examples of self-sufficient in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

This year, its highly self-sufficient Crossover series draws closer than ever before to the Venture S, mirroring it outside and in. — New Atlas, 13 Aug. 2026

How to Maintain a Micropond Microponds are fairly self-sufficient, especially with water-cleaning plants. — Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Aug. 2026

Ultimately, the immediate need for affordable, abundant solar capacity clashes with the goal of a self-sufficient supply chain, making price the primary driver for now. — Ken Silverstein, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Though not explicitly outlined, Roombas, and other self-sufficient vacuums manufactured outside of the country, may fall under the ban. — Greta Cross, USA Today, 30 July 2026

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