self-sufficiency

noun

self-suf·​fi·​cien·​cy ˌself-sə-ˈfi-shən(t)-sē 

: the quality or state of being self-sufficient

Synonyms

• independence
• self-dependence
• self-reliance
• self-subsistence
• self-support

Examples of self-sufficiency in a Sentence

self-sufficiency is a goal that all teenagers should work towards

Recent Examples on the Web

The tendency for successive U.S. administrations to regularly reverse the policy initiatives of their predecessors has heightened this uncertainty, frustrating efforts to develop the resources needed to strengthen American self-sufficiency and slow climate change. —Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025

But that movement toward technological self-sufficiency has also exposed them to trade shocks and to the volatilities of the external economy. —Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2025

Nigeria: Striving for self-sufficiency Nigerian nutrition programs have been hit hard by the withdrawal of USAID funds. —Christine Ro, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025

An opportunity to uplift individuals and families and lead them down the path of self-sufficiency. —Julia Mueller, The Hill, 14 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for self-sufficiency

• inefficiency
• insufficiency
• deficiency
• efficiency
• proficiency
• sufficiency
• immunodeficiency

Kids Definition

self-sufficiency

noun

self-suf·​fi·​cien·​cy

ˌself-sə-ˈfish-ən-sē

: the quality or state of being self-sufficient