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

Buffett has said he purposely purchases companies that are so self-sufficient that they can thrive regardless of who is at Berkshire’s helm.

From The Wall Street Journal

But syrup producers do not plant, irrigate, fertilize or use insecticides on their self-sufficient forests.

From The Wall Street Journal

In the before times, it appears he was a self-sufficient loner.

From Los Angeles Times

My kids are doing well and are mostly self-sufficient.

From MarketWatch

But it is trying to be more self-sufficient.

From BBC

Related Words

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