self-reliance

noun

self-re·​li·​ance ˌself-ri-ˈlī-ənts How to pronounce self-reliance (audio)
: reliance on one's own efforts and abilities

Examples of self-reliance in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Under the pressure and guidance of their father, Fritz (Holt McCallany), the dynasty will become engraved within the sport of wrestling, marred by tragedy and self-reliance. Clayton Davis, Variety, 12 Nov. 2023 That agrarian spirit of self-reliance mixed with egalitarianism still emanates from Pendergrass. Tyrone Beason, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2023 Rick's self-reliance and belief in himself serve as models that our students can draw from. Ryan Anderson, Arkansas Online, 19 Sep. 2023 And Finland, schooled in self-reliance, also maintains its large artillery forces, still makes its own shells and ammunition, and even bought advanced F-35 fighter jets before the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Steven Erlanger, BostonGlobe.com, 17 Sep. 2023 Burning Man’s ten principles—radical inclusion, gifting, decommodification, radical self-reliance, radical self-expression, communal effort, civic responsibility, leaving no trace, participation, and immediacy—are not exclusive to a late-August party in Nevada capped by ritual conflagrations. Matthew Hutson, The New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2023 His story of self-reliance and achieving such greatness is inspiring. Grace Lordan, Fortune, 13 Sep. 2023 What most Burners know — and what’s probably lost to the outside world amid the hyperbole of drug use and dusty dancing — is that the event is a major test of self-reliance. Katie Bain, Billboard, 8 Sep. 2023 On top of that, rules intended to require radical self-reliance can hobble green efforts. Alden Wicker, WIRED, 7 Sep. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'self-reliance.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1668, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-reliance was in 1668

Dictionary Entries Near self-reliance

Cite this Entry

“Self-reliance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-reliance. Accessed 1 Dec. 2023.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on self-reliance

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