self-sufficiency

noun

self-suf·​fi·​cien·​cy ˌself-sə-ˈfi-shən(t)-sē 

: the quality or state of being self-sufficient

Synonyms of self-sufficiency

• independence
• autonomy
• self-reliance

Examples of self-sufficiency in a Sentence

self-sufficiency is a goal that all teenagers should work towards

Recent Examples on the Web

Azerbaijan has one of the highest energy self-sufficiency rates in the world. — Daniel Markind, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Even sequels and prequels — say, those in the Star Wars canon — ideally aspire to a degree of self-sufficiency in which the audience can discern the story and, properly bewitched, can proceed to seek out the other movies. — Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 15 Aug. 2026

That gap highlights why China’s semiconductor self-sufficiency drive involves more than producing domestic chips. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 11 Aug. 2026

Its scripture-heavy programs stress sobriety and transition to self-sufficiency. — David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for self-sufficiency

• inefficiency
• insufficiency
• deficiency
• efficiency
• proficiency
• sufficiency
• immunodeficiency

Kids Definition

self-sufficiency

noun

self-suf·​fi·​cien·​cy

ˌself-sə-ˈfish-ən-sē

: the quality or state of being self-sufficient