self-reliant

[self-ri-lahy-uhnt, self-]

adjective

1. relying on oneself or on one's own powers, resources, etc.

   Synonyms: capable, resolute, enterprising, assured, independent

Other Word Forms

• self-reliantly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of self-reliant¹

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

"We should become self-reliant - not out of desperation, but out of pride," he said.

From BBC

But in the early 2000s, the young undergraduate was often helping street children financially with school fees or food - or assisting them to become self-reliant in a city where almost everyone was struggling.

From BBC

Paris also says, in this rapidly changing world of shifting alliances and allegiances, the EU should be self-reliant, not dependent on suppliers outside the bloc.

From BBC

Backpacking, unlike camping, requires you to be entirely self-reliant.

From Los Angeles Times

Trump promises that it will rebuild American manufacturing and make the country more self-reliant.

From BBC

Related Words

• autonomous 
• self-sufficient 
• self-supporting 
• self-sustaining