self-sufficient

American  

[self-suh-fish-uhnt, self-] / ˈsɛlf səˈfɪʃ ənt, ˌsɛlf- /

Also self-sufficing

adjective

1. able to supply one's own or its own needs without external assistance.

   The nation grows enough grain to be self-sufficient.

2. having extreme confidence in one's own resources, powers, etc..

   He was self-sufficient, and always reminded you of it.

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self-sufficient British  

adjective

1. able to provide for or support oneself without the help of others

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Other Word Forms

• self-sufficiency noun
• self-sufficiently adverb
• unself-sufficiency noun
• unself-sufficient adjective
• unself-sufficiently adverb

Etymology

Origin of self-sufficient

First recorded in 1580–90

Example Sentences

Moving from reliance on U.S. defense to a more self-sufficient position requires significant increases in military spending, joint procurement, intelligence capabilities and logistics.

From MarketWatch

The industry source told AFP that the need to import raw materials, the high energy costs and limited infrastructure mean the country cannot be entirely self-sufficient in medicine production.

From Barron's

Having this bridge probably accelerates the rate at which they can become self-sufficient.

From Barron's

Although China is self-sufficient in staples like rice and wheat, its massive pork industry remains dependent on foreign soybeans for over 80% of its feed.

From The Wall Street Journal

Administration officials say the long-term vision is to make industries self-sufficient.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• competent
• confident
• efficient
• self-supporting
• self-sustaining