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

At camp, children often learn about patriotism, discipline, cooperation, leadership and self-reliance. — Seth T. Kannarr, Fortune, 13 July 2026

Our founding principles, articulated in 1776, emphasized self-reliance, resolve in the face of adversity, and the courage to compete on terms of one’s own choosing. — Daniel Ross Goodman, The Washington Examiner, 11 July 2026

This need for self-reliance can often be most pronounced when things go wrong. — Indrabati Lahiri, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

Rising oil prices and fuel shortages have spurred calls for Africa to move toward greater self-reliance. — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 6 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