self-sufficient
/ˌself səˈfɪʃnt/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌself səˈfɪʃnt/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌself-sə-ˈfi-shənt/ (ame, mw)
self-sufficient — adjective
1. describing a person, community, or place that grows or produces enough food and
describing a person, community, or place that grows or produces enough food and other basic necessities to survive without buying from or depending on outside suppliers.
The village became self-sufficient by growing rice and vegetables and raising chickens for meat.
collocation: self-sufficient + by + gerund for method
After installing solar panels, the Watanabe family was fully self-sufficient in electricity.
pattern: self-sufficient + in + resource
Baraka dreams of living on a self-sufficient farm where his family never visits a supermarket.
A self-sufficient country must produce everything from clothing to medicine within its borders.
During the war, the island had to be self-sufficient because all shipping routes were blocked.
- independent
broader — can describe any kind of freedom, not just resource production
- self-supporting
more specific to financial or physical needs; less common than self-sufficient
- self-reliant
focuses on the ability to rely on one's own efforts rather than material output
文法句型
be + self-sufficient
self-sufficient + in + resource
self-sufficient + noun
用法筆記
Frequently used to describe communities, regions, or households that produce their own food, water, or energy. When followed by in, it specifies the resource: self-sufficient in grain, self-sufficient in fuel.
常見錯誤
2. describing a person who can manage their own feelings, make personal decisions,
describing a person who can manage their own feelings, make personal decisions, and handle everyday difficulties without needing constant reassurance, approval, or support from other people.
Charlotte learned to be emotionally self-sufficient and no longer depends on her partner for decisions.
collocation: emotionally self-sufficient
The therapist helped Jin become more self-sufficient so he could manage anxiety on his own.
It is important for teenagers to develop a self-sufficient attitude as they prepare for college.
Faisal feels proud to be self-sufficient, managing his own budget and schedule alone.
Raising children to be emotionally self-sufficient is one of the hardest challenges of parenting.
- independent
broader — can apply to any kind of autonomy
- self-reliant
implies practical confidence and initiative more than emotional stability
- autonomous
more formal; often used for moral or professional independence
文法句型
be + self-sufficient
become + self-sufficient
self-sufficient + noun
用法筆記
Often used with an intensifying adverb such as emotionally, financially, or mentally to narrow the domain of independence. Unlike sense 1, this sense does not take the pattern self-sufficient in + resource.