self-reliance

noun

self-re·​li·​ance ˌself-ri-ˈlī-ənts How to pronounce self-reliance (audio)
: reliance on one's own efforts and abilities

Examples of self-reliance in a Sentence

some people don't achieve self-reliance until they're over 30 years old
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Concerns arose about data sovereignty, and nations began moving toward self-reliance, with the goal of ensuring their data wouldn’t be vulnerable to foreign control. Dahlia Mihyar, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025 Advocates say the approach needs support beyond the self-reliance of the favela residents themselves. Troy Aidan Sambajon, The Christian Science Monitor, 17 Mar. 2025 In Trump’s first term, for instance, USAID remained a foreign policy linchpin, focusing on mobilizing private sector investment and enhancing host-country self-reliance. John Beed, The Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2025 In high-stakes situations, prioritizing accuracy over cognitive self-reliance seems obvious. Celia Ford, Vox, 10 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for self-reliance

Word History

First Known Use

1668, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-reliance was in 1668

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-reliance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-reliance. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

self-reliance

noun
self-re·​li·​ance
ˌsel-fri-ˈlī-ənts
: trust in one's own efforts and abilities
self-reliant
-ənt
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on self-reliance

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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