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

Whatever the case, Jobson reckons that self-sufficient sea cucumber fragments—immortal or not, with or without a purpose in this world—are drifting through Earth’s oceans right now. —Cody Cottier, Scientific American, 27 May 2026

If a storm hits, each household should be self-sufficient for a minimum of three days. —Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 May 2026

That doesn’t mean becoming detached or self-sufficient to the point of not needing anyone. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026

Alongside the structural transformation, ‘The Farmhouse’ will attempt a paddock-to-plate lifestyle, developing a greenhouse to grow organic vegetables, fruit orchards, a luxury chicken coop, bee hives, and a focus on sustainable, self-sufficient living. —Abhishek Bhardwaj, Interesting Engineering, 18 May 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