self-reliance

noun

self-re·​li·​ance ˌself-ri-ˈlī-ənts How to pronounce self-reliance (audio)
Synonyms of self-reliancenext
: 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.
Your Next Move Charlotte’s active community already has the discipline, self-reliance, and love of exploration that solo travel demands. Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 25 Mar. 2026 The family’s thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail (AT) in 2020 wasn’t too big of a change for the kids, who were already used to homeschooling and self-reliance. David Gleisner, Outside, 24 Mar. 2026 As ever, Finland must hedge its bets with a strong dose of self-reliance — this time backed by a wider set of European countries growing more willing to do the same. Liam Denning, Bloomberg, 12 Mar. 2026 Beijing’s decision to double down on self-reliance underscores the urgency of weaning itself off Western technology. John Liu, CNN Money, 12 Mar. 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-reliance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-reliance. Accessed 29 Mar. 2026.

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

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