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 The communities emphasize family life, self-sufficiency and separation from the non-Amish world and modern conveniences. Adela Suliman, Washington Post, 29 Feb. 2024 Now Montessori influences pervade the design of playrooms, popular toys, and even the general ethos of self-sufficiency that defines many modern child-rearing theories. Kate Cray, The Atlantic, 27 Feb. 2024 Cultivate self-sufficiency with a creation plan that works, and stay high energy for more of the week. Jodie Cook, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 The long-term impact of America’s political dysfunction and creeping isolationism may be countries looking for other options, whether these are moves toward self-sufficiency in Europe or policies in the Global South that favor China or Russia. Adam Taylor, Washington Post, 15 Feb. 2024 Hirayama’s solitude is presented not as a deprivation but as self-sufficiency, a contented isolation. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 5 Feb. 2024 He’s understood all his life how working on the land not only teaches self-sufficiency, but also generates a strong sense of community when the bounty and labor are shared. Jodie Valade, Charlotte Observer, 1 Feb. 2024 No nation today can achieve technological self-sufficiency. Christopher Thomas, Foreign Affairs, 26 Jan. 2024 As winter settles in, the situation faced by the 68,000 migrants in city shelters has grown more precarious and left many eager to find their way to self-sufficiency but confused about the many rules that govern the steps to get there. Andy Newman, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2024

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 19 Mar. 2024.

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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