Autonomous: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe entities like regions, vehicles, or robots that operate independently without external control. Often seen in technical or administrative settings.

• The university functions as an autonomous institution, with its own administrative structure.
• Autonomous vehicles are equipped with advanced sensors and software to navigate roads without human input.

Typically refers to regions, colonies, or smaller political units that manage their own affairs independent of a larger governing body.

• The island has been self-governing for more than 50 years, maintaining its own local government and laws.
• Self-governing communities have more power to make decisions that affect their local area.

Widely used in both personal and professional contexts to describe someone or something that is self-sufficient and operates without external influence or dependence.

• After graduation, she became financially independent and rented her own apartment.
• The report was produced by an independent research organization.

Similar to 'self-governing,' used to describe regions or communities that rule themselves without external control, though it carries a slightly more formal or historical tone.

• The ancient city-state prided itself on being self-ruling, with its own council and military.
• Following the revolution, the country transitioned to a self-ruling nation.

Often used in business and technical contexts where a system or organization is capable of monitoring and adjusting itself to maintain desired conditions or standards.

• The stock market is a self-regulating entity, adjusting prices based on supply and demand.
• Self-regulating heating systems automatically adjust the temperature to maintain comfort.

When referring to an entity, often a machine or a vehicle, that is capable of performing tasks without human intervention.

• The autonomous car navigated through the city streets without a human driver.
• The robot operates in an autonomous mode during certain tasks.

Usually used to describe regions or territories that have their own governing bodies and manage their own affairs independently of external control.

• Greenland is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.
• The university prides itself on being a self-governing institution.

Used to describe entities, people, or nations that are free from control or influence of others. It can also mean self-sufficient.

• She has always been an independent thinker, not swayed by others' opinions.
• After years of colonization, the country finally became independent.

Similar to 'self-governing', but often carries a more formal or historical connotation, and is used to highlight the capability of a region, group, or community to rule itself.

• After gaining independence, the nation became a self-ruling state.
• The ancient city was known for being self-ruling and independent.

Best suited for describing systems or organizations that have mechanisms in place to maintain equilibrium or control their own processes without external intervention.

• The economy is often seen as a self-regulating system guided by supply and demand.
• This market follows a self-regulating model to ensure fair trade practices.