Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But Nixon spends most of the half-hour talking about “Project Independence,” a pie-in-the-sky proposal for U.S. energy self-sufficiency by 1980.

From Barron's • May 7, 2026

But America has finally achieved something close to energy self-sufficiency.

From Barron's • May 7, 2026

China's leadership has made grain self-sufficiency a domestic political cornerstone: a national food security law passed in 2023 requires local governments to embed food production targets directly into their economic plans.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026

But self-sufficiency came at a cost, as San Diego’s water rates soared.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

Mother wouldn’t be difficult to convince; after all, in school I was a year ahead of my grade and Mother was a firm believer in self-sufficiency.

From "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou