self-sufficient

[ 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

Derived Forms

• ˌself-sufˈficiently, adverb
• ˌself-sufˈficiency, noun

Other Words From

• self-suf·ficien·cy noun
• self-suf·ficient·ly adverb
• unself-suf·ficien·cy noun
• unself-suf·ficient adjective
• unself-suf·ficient·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of self-sufficient¹

First recorded in 1580–90

Example Sentences

As they strived to create a financially self-sufficient club, a functioning player-trading model and a bright new team on the park, they would put their foot on the ball and show patience.

From BBC

She says she initially applied for a working visa in Australia but was denied due to the state being concerned about potential medical costs, even though Amy reported being largely self-sufficient.

From BBC

The company said the plant would be "energy self-sufficient" with the creation of a hydrogen-enabled combined heat and power plant.

From BBC

However, attempts to make the UK more self-sufficient in blood products failed, so the NHS continued using foreign supplies.

From BBC

As part of a mission to become fully self-sufficient she also grows her own vegetables and has eight sheep, six pigs and "twenty-odd chickens".

From BBC

Related Words

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