self-regulating
Americanadjective
-
adjusting, ruling, or governing itself without outside interference; operating or functioning without externally imposed controls or regulations.
a self-regulating economy; the self-regulating market.
-
functioning automatically.
a self-regulating machine.
adjective
Etymology
Origin of self-regulating
First recorded in 1830–40
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.
This would be modeled after the self-regulating organization that oversees stockbrokers.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 25, 2026
His "excessive reliance on the self-regulating aspects of markets seemed dangerously naive, and eventually blew up in his face and everybody's face," Blinder told AFP.
From Barron's ● Jun. 22, 2026
"This self-regulating behavior helps keep fuel production more stable throughout the day and automates the system, while reducing dependence on batteries and costly external components," he added.
From Science Daily ● Jun. 11, 2026
McPhee marveled: “The industry is self-regulating and pays its own way.”
From Slate ● Apr. 20, 2026
The self-regulating machine is not just a crucial step towards a whole series of more advanced technologies.
From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
