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

North Americans also have access to cutting-edge technologies, abundant financial capital, energy self-sufficiency, and the capacity to expand their production of oil, gas, and renewables. — Robert B. Zoellick, Foreign Affairs, 9 Oct. 2026

The Whole Earth Catalog, founded by writer and editor Stewart Brand, promoted ecological knowledge and self-sufficiency, but was still a compendium of things to buy. — Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026

Five African heads of state inaugurated on Wednesday a $16-billion oil refinery project in East Africa, following calls for the continent to boost its self-sufficiency in processing raw materials into finished products. — Evelyne Musambi, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2026

At the same time, the economic self-sufficiency services division, the core DCF department tasked with determining eligibility and fielding questions from public assistance recipients, shrank. — Sharmila Venkatasubban, Sun Sentinel, 24 Sep. 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