self-sufficient

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

ADJECTIVE

able to take care of oneself

Synonyms

STRONGEST

competent confident efficient self-supporting self-sustaining

WEAK

arrogant closed conceited doing one's own thing egotistic haughty independent individual on one's own out for number one self-confident self-dependent self-sufficing self-supported self-sustained smug unit

Antonyms

STRONGEST

incompetent inefficient unable

WEAK

incapable needy

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

We have two adult children — one is self-sufficient, and the other may need lifelong support due to health issues.

From MarketWatch • May 21, 2026

Did growing up in DIY culture prepare you for the modern music industry, where you have to be self-sufficient with every aspect of your career?

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026

He has largely been a single parent to Shy’tyra and her siblings, who need some support too, although they’re more self-sufficient.

From Salon • Apr. 29, 2026

While the Hormuz closure briefly gave Chinese exporters an edge thanks to their largely self-sufficient power grid, a prolonged war threatened the global demand for Chinese goods.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

“I suspended it. It can’t be self-sufficient without us. It needs a caretaker.”

From "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern

Vocabulary lists containing self-sufficient

My Side of the Mountain

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The Age of Jackson and Westward Expansion, Lessons 6–7

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Woodsong

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