self-sufficient

Also self-suf·fic·ing

[self-suh-fish-uhnt, self-]

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.

self-sufficient

adjective

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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of self-sufficient¹

First recorded in 1580–90

Example Sentences

In addition, tradwives stress self-sufficient homemaking skills, such as eating homemade and unprocessed food.

From Salon

If these conservative commentators were really serious about boosting marriage rates, they’d worry less about lecturing women and instead tell their majority male audiences to be more like Kelce — supportive and self-sufficient.

From Salon

"We've all got to become much more self-sufficient and generate power ourselves," he explains.

From BBC

Dame Annette Brooke had a strong interest in developing countries and campaigned for microfinance to help the world's poorest people become self-sufficient.

From BBC

After the Second World War, there was an acceptance that the UK needed to produce more food and become more self-sufficient.

From BBC

Related Words

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