self-reliant
Americanadjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of self-reliant
First recorded in 1840–50
Vocabulary lists containing self-reliant
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.
“It’s all very self-reliant farmers and ranchers out here. We don’t want any property tax.”
From Salon • May 3, 2026
His continuing push toward increasing China's production of renewable energy will allow the country to be more self-reliant.
From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026
China’s energy-security strategy is one aspect of a broader campaign to become as self-reliant as possible to guard against intensifying global volatility.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 10, 2026
Another potential positive: Increased demand for the country’s asset-heavy companies—shipbuilding, shipping, defense, and electric energy—in a push to boost national security and become more self-reliant.
From Barron's • Mar. 4, 2026
A disciplined, self-reliant man, he got along remarkably well despite his age and solitude.
From "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer
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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.