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

Synonyms of self-sufficient

• independent

Examples of self-sufficient in a Sentence

the college student worked nights so that he would be self-sufficient

Recent Examples on the Web

The move underscores Beijing’s push to make its AI infrastructure self-sufficient, even as the country’s data center power demand surges and domestic chips still require 30–50% more electricity than Nvidia’s. —Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2025

For Nina Parks, cofounder of Supernova Women, a nonprofit empowering people of color to become self-sufficient shareholders in cannabis, that’s the spirit behind her other project, the Equity Trade Network. —Mennlay Golokeh Aggrey, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 Nov. 2025

The tour is meant for self-sufficient advanced skiers, with opportunities to traverse from December through March. —Outside, 3 Nov. 2025

The 12-acre property has already been converted into an eco-friendly compound with nine self-sufficient apartments plus a primary residence. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 29 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1596, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for self-sufficient

• beneficent
• coefficient
• inefficient
• insufficient
• deficient
• efficient
• omniscient
• proficient
• sufficient

Kids Definition

self-sufficient

adjective

self-suf·​fi·​cient

ˌself-sə-ˈfish-ənt

: able to take care of oneself without outside help : independent