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Self-sufficiency: meaning, definitions and examples

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self-sufficiency

[ ˌself.səˈfɪʃ.ən.si ]

Noun

^{Context #1 | Noun}

ability to fulfill one's own needs

Self-sufficiency refers to the ability of an individual or a community to meet their own needs without relying on external assistance. It involves being able to grow food, generate income, and provide for basic necessities without depending on others.

Synonyms

autonomy, independence, self-reliance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
self-sufficiency	Used when referring to the ability to provide for oneself without the help of others. The community aims for self-sufficiency by growing its own food. Financial self-sufficiency is a key goal for many individuals.
independence	Commonly used to describe freedom from external control or influence, often in a political sense. The country celebrated its independence from colonial rule. Achieving financial independence is a major milestone for many adults.
autonomy	Refers to the state of being self-governing, especially in a political or personal context. The region was granted autonomy to manage its own affairs. She values her autonomy and prefers to make her own decisions.
self-reliance	Often used to describe the ability to rely on one's own capabilities and resources. He learned the importance of self-reliance at an early age. The course teaches skills for self-reliance in wilderness settings.

Examples of usage

Her self-sufficiency allowed her to live off the grid in a remote cabin.
The community's self-sufficiency was evident in their ability to produce their own energy.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

financial independence

Self-sufficiency can also refer to financial independence, where an individual or entity is able to sustain themselves financially without the need for external support. It involves having enough resources to cover expenses and live comfortably.

Synonyms

economic self-reliance, financial autonomy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
self-sufficiency	Best used to describe a person, community, or system that can meet their needs without external support. Often used in discussions about survival, basic needs, or sustainability. The remote village achieved self-sufficiency through its farm and renewable energy sources. Learning self-sufficiency skills can help individuals become more independent.
financial autonomy	Refers to individuals or entities having control over their financial decisions and resources. Commonly used in personal finance or when discussing organizational independence from financial restrictions. Achieving financial autonomy is a primary goal for many young adults. The non-profit organization gained financial autonomy after securing its own funding sources.
economic self-reliance	Applies to situations where a person, community, or country can sustain itself financially without needing economic assistance from others. Often discussed in the realms of international development, social policies, or personal finance. Developing countries aim for economic self-reliance to reduce dependency on foreign aid. The project promotes economic self-reliance among single parents.

Word

Description / Examples

self-sufficiency

Best used to describe a person, community, or system that can meet their needs without external support. Often used in discussions about survival, basic needs, or sustainability.

The remote village achieved self-sufficiency through its farm and renewable energy sources.
Learning self-sufficiency skills can help individuals become more independent.

financial autonomy

Refers to individuals or entities having control over their financial decisions and resources. Commonly used in personal finance or when discussing organizational independence from financial restrictions.

Achieving financial autonomy is a primary goal for many young adults.
The non-profit organization gained financial autonomy after securing its own funding sources.

economic self-reliance

Applies to situations where a person, community, or country can sustain itself financially without needing economic assistance from others. Often discussed in the realms of international development, social policies, or personal finance.

Developing countries aim for economic self-reliance to reduce dependency on foreign aid.
The project promotes economic self-reliance among single parents.

Examples of usage

His self-sufficiency enabled him to retire early and live off his savings.
The company's self-sufficiency was evident in its ability to weather financial downturns.

Translations

Translations of the word "self-sufficiency" in other languages:

🇵🇹 autossuficiência

🇮🇳 स्वावलंबन

🇩🇪 Selbstversorgung

🇮🇩 kemandirian

🇺🇦 самодостатність

🇵🇱 samowystarczalność

🇯🇵 自給自足 (じきゅうじそく)

🇫🇷 autosuffisance

🇪🇸 autosuficiencia

🇹🇷 kendi kendine yeterlilik

🇰🇷 자급자족 (自給自足)

🇸🇦 الاكتفاء الذاتي

🇨🇿 soběstačnost

🇸🇰 sebestačnosť

🇨🇳 自给自足 (zìjǐ zìzú)

🇸🇮 samooskrba

🇮🇸 sjálfbærni

🇰🇿 өзін-өзі қамтамасыз ету

🇬🇪 თვითკმარება

🇦🇿 özünü təmin etmək

🇲🇽 autosuficiencia

Etymology

The concept of self-sufficiency has roots in early human history when individuals and communities had to rely on their own skills and resources to survive. In modern times, self-sufficiency has become a goal for many people seeking independence and sustainability in their lives.