self-reliance

noun

self-re·​li·​ance ˌself-ri-ˈlī-ənts How to pronounce self-reliance (audio)
Synonyms of self-reliancenext
: 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
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.
Being sent to boarding school at a young age introduced her to a level of self-reliance that would later influence her decision-making. Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 29 May 2026 The aim is to sharpen judgment, not replace it, fostering self-reliance. Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026 That type of self-reliance and rugged individualism — as different as everybody is, most Americans have some belief in that idea. Charley Crockett, Rolling Stone, 19 May 2026 The danger is a cycle in which Beijing answers economic anxiety with industrial self-reliance and export pressure, while Washington answers worker anger with tariffs, investment screening, and market restriction. Newsweek Editors, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-reliance

Word History

First Known Use

1668, in the meaning defined above

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-reliance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-reliance. Accessed 1 Jun. 2026.

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

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