self-sufficiency
/ˌself səˈfɪʃnsi/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌself səˈfɪʃnsi/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌself-sə-ˈfi-shən(t)-sē/ (ame, mw)
self-sufficiency — noun
1. the situation where a person, community, or country can produce or obtain all th
the situation where a person, community, or country can produce or obtain all the food, energy, and other things they need without help from outside
After the war, the government focused on achieving food self-sufficiency through better farming methods.
collocation: food self-sufficiency
The island nation has almost complete energy self-sufficiency thanks to its hydroelectric dams.
collocation: energy self-sufficiency
Sahil's family grows most of their own vegetables, giving them a real feeling of self-sufficiency.
Mountain villages rely on self-sufficiency, growing crops and raising livestock for their own use.
Niran believes that self-sufficiency in basic materials is important for a country's long-term security.
- independence
broader term that includes political freedom; self-sufficiency focuses on material needs
- self-reliance
similar but stresses individual resourcefulness; often overlaps with sense 2
- autarky
technical economic term for a country that aims to be completely self-sufficient; formal and rare
- dependence
relying on others for goods or support
用法筆記
Common in discussions of national economic policy, farming, and resource management. Frequently modifies nouns such as 'food,' 'energy,' and 'economic.'
常見錯誤
2. the ability to meet your own needs and manage your own emotions and problems, ra
the ability to meet your own needs and manage your own emotions and problems, rather than depending on other people for support or approval
After living alone for a year, Harper developed a strong sense of self-sufficiency.
collocation: sense of self-sufficiency
Learning to cook and budget helped Amani build self-sufficiency before leaving for university.
collocation: build self-sufficiency
After moving to a new city, Reuben grew in self-sufficiency by solving problems alone.
Parents worry that too much self-sufficiency in a teenager means they are no longer needed.
Mayumi's quiet self-sufficiency after her divorce surprised everyone who had thought of her as dependent.
- independence
broader and more neutral; can refer to age, relationship status, or nationality
- self-reliance
nearly interchangeable in personal contexts; leans slightly toward practical skills
- autonomy
emphasizes the right to make one's own choices; more formal and abstract
- dependence
needing others for emotional or practical support
用法筆記
Describes an individual's emotional and practical independence. Overlaps with 'independence' but emphasizes inner resourcefulness — making one's own decisions and regulating one's own emotions — rather than simply freedom from outside control.