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
The charity further states that it hopes, by providing children in the foster care system with a stable, comfortable environment, it will enable them to grow into “responsible, self-reliant adults.”
From MarketWatch ● Feb. 19, 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
Father made it clear we were completely self-reliant but appreciated their kindness all the same.
From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver
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.
