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

Over the last five years, China has intensified its efforts to both become more self-reliant and establish its dominance in critical areas.

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Over the last five years, China has intensified its efforts to both become more self-reliant and establish its dominance in critical areas.

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The boy is unusually self-reliant and mature but also childish and understandably vulnerable.

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Xi has vowed to make his country more self-reliant and not depend on "anyone's gifts".

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And he accused politicians on both the left and right of seeking to turn this "proud, self-reliant country into a competition of victims".

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Related Words

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