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

self-sufficiency is a goal that all teenagers should work towards
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Instead of chasing personal brand deals or viral fame, these creators are sharing practical skills, rallying volunteers, and spreading the message of self-sufficiency and mutual support. Jason Phillips, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025 For the Dedinis, the practice of frog gigging is also a step toward self-sufficiency. Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 9 Sep. 2025 At the same time, philosophies like Garveyism, which had emphasized separation, self-sufficiency, and building parallel Black institutions, declined in popularity. Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 6 Sep. 2025 The giants of Silicon Valley have a lot in common with Laura Ingalls Wilder, who portrayed her life on the prairie as a triumph of self-sufficiency, barely mentioning that the government underwrote the railroads, provided the farmland and tided the family through rough winters. Binyamin Appelbaum, Mercury News, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for self-sufficiency

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined above

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-sufficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-sufficiency. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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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