self-reliance
noun
self-re·li·ance
ˌself-ri-ˈlī-ənts 
: 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
Dangote also used the forum to push back on pessimism about African self-reliance.
—
Adrian Elimian, semafor.com, 16 Apr. 2026
The latest spending strategy would focus on Australian self-reliance, which should not be confused with military self-sufficiency, Marles said.
—ABC News, 15 Apr. 2026
Competition, alliances, and egos collide as this group puts public reputations on the line, testing players’ self-reliance, problem-solving, and grit, per the logline.
—Peter White, Deadline, 13 Apr. 2026
Each effort strengthened his instincts for initiative and self-reliance.
—Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-reliance
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.
Adrian Elimian, semafor.com, 16 Apr. 2026
The latest spending strategy would focus on Australian self-reliance, which should not be confused with military self-sufficiency, Marles said.
—ABC News, 15 Apr. 2026
Competition, alliances, and egos collide as this group puts public reputations on the line, testing players’ self-reliance, problem-solving, and grit, per the logline.
—Peter White, Deadline, 13 Apr. 2026
Each effort strengthened his instincts for initiative and self-reliance.
—Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-reliance
Cite this Entry
“Self-reliance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-reliance. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
