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

Beijing has increasingly made clear its efforts to build technological self-sufficiency and hold its own on the global stage. —Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2026

By responding to countries’ push for self-sufficiency, the School Meals Accelerator represents a new approach to development that can withstand the challenges of the current aid climate. —Reem Alabali Radovan, Fortune, 28 Jan. 2026

The Long-Term Independence Push Despite the reversal, China’s commitment to semiconductor self-sufficiency remains clear. —Joe Toscano, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026

Chinese chipmakers go public as self-sufficiency push expands Chinese AI chipmaker Moore Threads tripled its revenue in 2025, estimates show, as Beijing accelerates its push for technological self-sufficiency. —Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 22 Jan. 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