Definition

Adjective: 1. Able to provide for one's own needs without help from others: Describing a person, group, or system that is independent and does not require external support or resources to function or survive.

Usage

The adjective "self-sufficing" describes a state of complete independence, particularly in terms of material or economic needs. It is a formal and somewhat less common synonym for "self-sufficient." It is used attributively (before a noun) or predicatively (after a linking verb like "is" or "was").

Examples

• Attributive use (before a noun):
  • They aimed to create a self-sufficing community on the remote island.
  • The farm was designed to be a self-sufficing unit, producing all its own food and energy.
• Predicative use (after a linking verb):
  • The ancient tribe was remarkably self-sufficing, having little contact with the outside world.
  • With solar panels and a well, the cabin became completely self-sufficing.

Advanced Usage

• The term often implies not just independence but also a degree of resilience and closed-system efficiency. It can be applied to individuals, households, communities, or even abstract systems.
• "self-sufficing in...": This phrase specifies the area of independence.
  • The country became self-sufficing in grain production. (The country became able to produce enough grain for its own needs without imports.)

Variants and Related Words

• Self-sufficient (adjective): The more common and preferred form with the same meaning.
  • She is a self-sufficient individual who enjoys her own company.
• Self-sufficiency (noun): The quality or state of being self-sufficient/self-sufficing.
  • Their goal was to achieve economic self-sufficiency.

Synonyms

• Independent
• Self-reliant
• Self-supporting
• Autonomous

Antonyms

• Dependent
• Reliant
• Needy

Related Idioms/Phrases

• To stand on one's own (two) feet: To be independent and self-reliant.
  • After college, he was determined to stand on his own two feet. (This idiom is more personal and less formal than "self-sufficing.")
• To make one's own way: To achieve success or provide for oneself independently.
  • She moved to the city to make her own way in the world.

Adjective

1. able to provide for your own needs without help from others
   • a self-sufficing economic unit