self-contained — Having within itself all that is necessary; complete and independent, not depending on anything else
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: Having within itself all that is necessary; complete and independent, not depending on anything else
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌsɛlf.kənˈteɪnd/
Example Sentences
- My uncle built a self-contained cabin in the woods—he even grows his own vegetables and never has to visit the grocery store.
- My roommate is so self-contained that I once found out he'd broken up with his girlfriend three weeks after it happened.
- This self-contained washing machine has its own water tank, so you can use it even without plumbing—perfect for camping enthusiasts who also love clean laundry!
self-contained
ADJECTIVE[/ˌsɛlf.kənˈteɪnd/]
Having within itself all that is necessary; complete and independent, not depending on anything else

The tiny cabin is self-contained, with its own water, power, and kitchen inside.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Formed from 'self' + 'contained' (from Latin 'continere', meaning 'to hold together'), originally describing systems or units that hold everything they need within themselves.
Breakdown
self- (oneself) + contain (to hold within) + -ed (adjective suffix, 'having the quality of')
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My uncle built a self-contained cabin in the woods—he even grows his own vegetables and never has to visit the grocery store.”
“My roommate is so self-contained that I once found out he'd broken up with his girlfriend three weeks after it happened.”
“This self-contained washing machine has its own water tank, so you can use it even without plumbing—perfect for camping enthusiasts who also love clean laundry!”
“The spacecraft needs to be completely self-contained since there's no gas station in outer space.”
📚Related Words
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