self-reliant

American

[self-ri-lahy-uhnt, self-] / ˈsɛlf rɪˈlaɪ ənt, ˌsɛlf- /

adjective

relying on oneself or on one's own powers, resources, etc.

Synonyms:

capable, resolute, enterprising, assured, independent

Other Word Forms

self-reliantly

adverb

Etymology

Origin of self-reliant

First recorded in 1840–50

Vocabulary lists containing self-reliant

Essential Question Vocabulary (Unit 2)

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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

These feats help lay the groundwork for its transition into a more self-reliant economy and efforts to rebuild consumer confidence.

From Barron's • Feb. 15, 2026

"This is a self-reliant character who outwits those trying to exploit her with silent grit and steely determination. Momin slipped into this feminist folklore with quiet understanding."

From BBC • Feb. 7, 2026

Kyiv also wants to become more self-reliant through domestically produced weapons that will also help rationalize the hodgepodge of donated Western equipment it currently uses.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 31, 2025

Such organisms, having to be more self-reliant, are also more complicated than viroids and viruses.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan

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