self-determination

noun

self-de·​ter·​mi·​na·​tion ˌself-di-ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən 

1

: free choice of one's own acts or states without external compulsion

2

: determination by the people of a territorial unit of their own future political status

Synonyms of self-determination

• choice
• autonomy

Examples of self-determination in a Sentence

the United States officially recognizes 18 as the age at which someone is entitled to self-determination

rebels fighting for the territory's self-determination

Recent Examples on the Web

The most straightforward theory of motivation is known as self-determination theory, founded by Edward Deci and Richard Ryan. — David Brooks, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026

At the same time, Black political traditions have long emphasized self-determination through achievement within existing institutions. — Basil Smikle, New York Daily News, 25 June 2026

And on a holiday devoted to the idea of self-determination, that’s a goal worth pursuing. — Bydoug Ashburn, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 June 2026

States, employers, and advocates have spent those decades building systems that support integration and self-determination. — Nicole Jorwic, STAT, 23 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1670, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for self-determination

• acclimatisation
• acclimatization
• acidification
• actualization
• annualization
• autocorrelation
• autoregulation
• beatification
• beneficiation
• biodegradation
• biotransformation
• bureaucratization

Kids Definition

self-determination

noun

self-de·​ter·​mi·​na·​tion

ˌself-di-ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən

1

: free choice of one's own acts without outside pressure

2

: the deciding by the people of a place of the form of government they will have