self-sufficiency

noun

self-suf·​fi·​cien·​cy ˌself-sə-ˈfi-shən(t)-sē How to pronounce self-sufficiency (audio)
: the quality or state of being self-sufficient

Examples of self-sufficiency in a Sentence

self-sufficiency is a goal that all teenagers should work towards
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.
Enhancing the efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability of treatment delivery, investing in health care workers and infrastructure, leveraging advances in technology, and engaging the diaspora to invest in the ecosystem will expedite this transition to full self-sufficiency. Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli, Time, 8 May 2025 Implications for future food crises Besides logistics and emergency food aid, the WFP provides support for farmers and nutrition assistance, which are intended to build the self-sufficiency of low-resource countries. Gabriel Spitzer, NPR, 6 May 2025 His self-sufficiency becomes self-sabotage, preventing healing that might have been possible. Jeremy Bradley-Silverio Donato, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025 The Trump administration has hailed Poland as a paragon of self-sufficiency. Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 5 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for self-sufficiency

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-sufficiency was in 1598

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-sufficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-sufficiency. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

self-sufficiency

noun
self-suf·​fi·​cien·​cy
ˌself-sə-ˈfish-ən-sē
: the quality or state of being self-sufficient
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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