self-reliance

noun

self-re·​li·​ance ˌself-ri-ˈlī-ənts 

: reliance on one's own efforts and abilities

Synonyms

• 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

Living in a small, remote place required a mix of self-reliance and solidarity. —Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 2 Aug. 2025

The dual plans reflect rising US-China tech tensions; US President Donald Trump’s deregulatory approach to American AI could push Beijing to double down on its quest for self-reliance and domestic alternatives to Western tech, the South China Morning Post reported. —Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 30 July 2025

The president’s position on the self-reliance of states rings hollow given the support his administration is providing to Texas. —Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 26 July 2025

President Xi Jinping has called for greater self-reliance in the face of increasing external uncertainty. —Peter Catterall, Fortune, 16 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1668, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for self-reliance

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