self-sufficient

adjective

self-suf·​fi·​cient ˌself-sə-ˈfi-shənt How to pronounce self-sufficient (audio)
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
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.
The less-than-welcoming sentiment reflects Beijing’s drive to build a self-sufficient semiconductor supply chain – and its confidence in the progress its rapidly advancing chip industry has made. John Liu, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2025 Pack warm layers, waterproof gear, sturdy boots, and enough supplies to be self-sufficient, as cell coverage and fuel stations are rare in this remote wilderness. David Nikel, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025 That is enough to render the stadium, which uses around 770 MWh of energy per year, entirely self-sufficient. Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2025 Beijing seeks to develop a self-sufficient semiconductor sector, in part due to concerns of the U.S.’s control of critical parts of the chip supply chain. Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 11 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for self-sufficient

Word History

First Known Use

1596, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-sufficient was in 1596

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Cite this Entry

“Self-sufficient.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-sufficient. Accessed 24 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

self-sufficient

adjective
self-suf·​fi·​cient
ˌself-sə-ˈfish-ənt
: able to take care of oneself without outside help : independent

More from Merriam-Webster on self-sufficient

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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