self-sufficiency

noun

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

: the quality or state of being self-sufficient

Synonyms of self-sufficiency

• independence
• autonomy
• self-reliance

Examples of self-sufficiency in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Despite China’s efforts to boost semiconductor self-sufficiency, domestic tech firms’ immense demand for compute has led to a shortage, prompting them to ramp up imports. — Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 5 Nov. 2026

The various reasons why a woman may want to learn how to shoot a gun and harvest her own meat vary person-to-person, of course, with self-sufficiency and empowerment among them. — Heide Brandes, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2026

The 90-day standard goes further than that original goal, extending self-sufficiency beyond electricity to water, fuel and communications. — Bilin Lin, Fortune, 26 Oct. 2026

But despite its leaders’ newfound interest in self-sufficiency, Europe remains dependent on the United States. — Claas Mertens, Foreign Affairs, 19 Oct. 2026

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