self-reliance

noun

self-re·​li·​ance ˌself-ri-ˈlī-ənts 

: reliance on one's own efforts and abilities

Synonyms of self-reliance

• independence
• autonomy
• self-sufficiency

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

The long experience of the United States in self-reliance has been followed by global entanglements which, while often brilliantly managed, have brought enormous disappointment and frustration. — Foreign Affairs, 12 Aug. 2026

These positive economic conditions make this visit even more timely, given the nation’s need for capital to continue its own self-reliance and economic growth. — Richard Fowler, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

Yet a rupture with the United States, doomed to a long night of Trumpism, seems unlikely, to say nothing of a future of European self-reliance. — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 28 July 2026

In its 40th year, the purpose of the outdoor retreat is for youth to reflect on universal values including nonviolence, respect, fearlessness, honesty, equanimity and self-reliance as exemplified by Indian freedom leader Mahatma Gandhi. — Savita Patel, Mercury News, 26 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1668, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for self-reliance

• appliance
• compliance
• defiance
• reliance
• geoscience
• neuroscience
• noncompliance
• pseudoscience
• science

Kids Definition

self-reliance

noun

self-re·​li·​ance

ˌsel-fri-ˈlī-ənts

: trust in one's own efforts and abilities

self-reliant

-ənt

adjective