independent living

American

noun

a living arrangement for disabled people and others with special needs, usually in their own home, affording them as much independence and autonomy as possible.

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.

We’re currently in independent living but have access to higher levels of care if needed.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026

Dementia involves a decline in thinking and memory severe enough to interfere with daily life and independent living.

From Science Daily • Feb. 11, 2026

Vision and hearing services help prevent dementia and increase independent living, possibly by mitigating sensory deprivation, protecting cognitive energy and reducing social isolation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 10, 2025

According to the SHRC, urgent action and new laws are needed in Scotland to protect the right to independent living because this is being breached daily.

From BBC • Jan. 29, 2025

This, added to the usual homesickness of young people making their first essay in independent living, and the absence of regular and definite duties, made a peculiarly trying ordeal for the first few months.

From The Education of American Girls by Brackett, Anna C. (Anna Callender)

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023