self-sufficient

adjective

self-suf·​fi·​cient ˌself-sə-ˈfi-shənt 

1

: able to maintain oneself or itself without outside aid : capable of providing for one's own needs

a self-sufficient farm

2

: having an extreme confidence in one's own ability or worth : haughty, overbearing

Synonyms of self-sufficient

• independent

Examples of self-sufficient in a Sentence

the college student worked nights so that he would be self-sufficient

Recent Examples on the Web

The vehicle aims to promote the local production of critical goods and make the country more self-sufficient. —Dominic Dudley, semafor.com, 28 Apr. 2026

Crucially, the estate is also partially self-sufficient, producing its own beef, veal, lamb, cheese, eggs, honey, olive oil, gin, herbs, and seasonal vegetables (which guests are invited to pick themselves). —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026

Very few countries can physically be self-sufficient. —David Frum, The Atlantic, 22 Apr. 2026

To top it off, Ferrari claims the Hypersail will be the first 100-foot yacht in the world to be entirely self-sufficient. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 22 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1596, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for self-sufficient

• beneficent
• coefficient
• inefficient
• insufficient
• deficient
• efficient
• omniscient
• proficient
• sufficient

Kids Definition

self-sufficient

adjective

self-suf·​fi·​cient

ˌself-sə-ˈfish-ənt

: able to take care of oneself without outside help : independent