self-sufficient
adjective
self-suf·fi·cient
ˌself-sə-ˈfi-shənt 
1
: able to maintain oneself or itself without outside aid : capable of providing for one's own needs
a self-sufficient farm
2
: having an extreme confidence in one's own ability or worth : haughty, overbearing
Examples of self-sufficient in a Sentence
the college student worked nights so that he would be self-sufficient
Recent Examples on the Web
Through the centuries, the watchtowers evolved into self-sufficient villages that grew crops, raised sheep and housed farmers.
—
Aileen Weintraub, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 July 2025
Becoming self-sufficient in every area is surplus to requirements.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
In 2023, Boosie began constructing four one- and two-bedroom homes in a small complex on the property for his kids to live in and learn to be responsible and self-sufficient.
—Makena Gera, People.com, 17 July 2025
There’s a growing group of modern-day families choosing to leave the materialistic world behind and become homesteaders—off the land and completely self-sufficient.
—Megan Margulies, Outside Online, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-sufficient
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.
Aileen Weintraub, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 July 2025
Becoming self-sufficient in every area is surplus to requirements.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
In 2023, Boosie began constructing four one- and two-bedroom homes in a small complex on the property for his kids to live in and learn to be responsible and self-sufficient.
—Makena Gera, People.com, 17 July 2025
There’s a growing group of modern-day families choosing to leave the materialistic world behind and become homesteaders—off the land and completely self-sufficient.
—Megan Margulies, Outside Online, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-sufficient
Cite this Entry
“Self-sufficient.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-sufficient. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share