self-sustaining — able to continue or maintain itself without needing help or resources from outside
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: able to continue or maintain itself without needing help or resources from outside
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌsɛlf səˈsteɪnɪŋ/
Example Sentences
- My little brother thinks he's self-sustaining because he can make instant noodles by himself.
- The space station was designed to be self-sustaining for months without supply missions from Earth.
- Some scientists dream of building a fully self-sustaining city on Mars, complete with its own food and oxygen.
self-sustaining
ADJECTIVE[/ˌsɛlf səˈsteɪnɪŋ/]
able to continue or maintain itself without needing help or resources from outside

Their off-grid cabin is self-sustaining, powered by solar panels and a vegetable garden.
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Self-sustaining combines Old English 'self' (meaning 'oneself') with Latin 'sustinere' (to hold up, support), formed from 'sus-' (from below) and 'tenere' (to hold, maintain). The term evolved to describe something capable of maintaining itself without external support.
Breakdown
self (Old English, oneself) + sustain (from Latin sustinere: sus- (from below) + tenere (to hold, maintain)) + -ing (present participle, forming an adjective).
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My little brother thinks he's self-sustaining because he can make instant noodles by himself.”
“The space station was designed to be self-sustaining for months without supply missions from Earth.”
“Some scientists dream of building a fully self-sustaining city on Mars, complete with its own food and oxygen.”
“After years of debt, the company finally became self-sustaining and stopped asking investors for money.”
📚Related Words
Want to master 27,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.