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

Recent Examples on the Web To my mind, these little candies, with all their unassuming qualities, represent self-sufficiency in the South, a place where cottage industry thrives and enables people to survive. Lisa Donovan, New York Times, 6 Dec. 2023 In the period of rapid industrialization after the U.S. pushed Japan to open its borders in 1854, ending centuries of isolationism and near self-sufficiency, Western equaled modern. Hannah Kirshner, The Atlantic, 6 Dec. 2023 State public-assistance programs should be there to provide support in times of need but designed to emphasize the importance of self-sufficiency. Arthur B. Laffer, National Review, 18 Oct. 2023 The goal is to provide a place to live right away and a path to self-sufficiency. Gail Cornwall, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2023 Xi’s new industrialization plan looks more like a way to contextualize China’s policy goals, which are primarily intended to help achieve tech self-sufficiency and compete with the West, rather than to boost GDP growth, analysts from Capital Economics said. Laura He, CNN, 6 Oct. 2023 In recent years, a wave of new analysis has spurred a critical rethinking of what Green Revolution-style farming really means for food supplies and self-sufficiency. Glenn Davis Stone, The Conversation, 4 Oct. 2023 The residents of Adjuntas have chosen a path toward self-sufficiency and a power system that is relatively clean, decentralized, and resilient. Maximiliano Ferrari, IEEE Spectrum, 16 Sep. 2023 But Europe has no intention of cutting relations with China or seeking self-sufficiency or import substitution, Valdis Dombrovskis said during a Monday keynote speech at Tsinghua University. Laura He, CNN, 25 Sep. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'self-sufficiency.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near self-sufficiency

Cite this Entry

“Self-sufficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-sufficiency. Accessed 11 Dec. 2023.

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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