Definition

Adjective Designed or able to control, adjust, or govern itself automatically without external intervention.

Usage

The adjective "self-regulating" is used to describe systems, mechanisms, or processes that operate autonomously to maintain a desired state or function. It is typically placed before a noun or used after a linking verb like "is" or "becomes."

Examples

• The new thermostat is a self-regulating device that maintains a constant room temperature.
• A healthy ecosystem is largely self-regulating, balancing predator and prey populations.
• The market is not perfectly self-regulating and sometimes requires oversight.

Advanced Usage

• "to be self-regulating": This phrase emphasizes the state or capability of autonomous control.
  • The goal of the engineering team was to create a system that would be entirely self-regulating.
• Used in abstract or social contexts to describe autonomous control within a group or system.
  • The profession established a self-regulating body to set and enforce ethical standards for its members.

Variants and Related Words

• Self-regulation (n): The act or process of regulating itself.
  • Emotional self-regulation is an important skill for children to learn.
• Self-regulatory (adj): Functioning as or relating to self-regulation. Often used interchangeably with "self-regulating," but can be more abstract.
  • The industry formed a self-regulatory organization.

Synonyms

• Automatic
• Self-acting
• Autonomous
• Self-adjusting

Antonyms

• Manual
• Dependent
• Controlled (externally)

Adjective

1. designed to activate or move or regulate itself
   • a self-activating sprinkler system