Definitions

self-sustaining

[self-suh-stey-ning, self-] / ˈsɛlf səˈsteɪ nɪŋ, ˌsɛlf- /

ADJECTIVE

closed

Synonyms

STRONGEST

restricted

WEAK

self-centered self-contained self-sufficient self-sufficing self-supported self-supporting self-sustained

Antonyms

WEAK

beginning continuing in business open running started starting unsettled welcoming working

ADJECTIVE

profitable

Synonyms

STRONGEST

beneficial commercial cost-effective effective fruitful good lucrative practical productive rewarding successful useful valuable worthwhile

WEAK

assisting conducive contributive effectual favorable gainful going in the black instrumental paid off paying paying well pragmatic remunerative serviceable sustaining sweet well-paying

Antonyms

STRONGEST

fruitless impotent incapable unfruitful unhelpful unproductive unprofitable unskilled useless valueless worthless

WEAK

disadvantageous

ADJECTIVE

self-reliant

Synonyms

STRONGEST

autonomous self-sufficient self-supporting

WEAK

on one's own self-contained self-governing unaided unallied

ADJECTIVE

self-sufficient

Synonyms

STRONGEST

competent confident efficient self-supporting

WEAK

arrogant closed conceited doing one's own thing egotistic haughty independent individual on one's own out for number one self-confident self-dependent self-sufficing self-supported self-sustained smug unit

Antonyms

STRONGEST

incompetent inefficient unable

WEAK

incapable needy

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

At the same time, it attracts even more nerve fibers, strengthening a self sustaining loop that promotes tumor development.

From Science Daily • Feb. 15, 2026

Billions of humans and a vibrant, self sustaining, environment.

From New York Times • Nov. 15, 2018

Once you are self sustaining, you can secure better terms from investors.

From Inc • Jun. 24, 2013

“The ECB is obviously increasingly confident that the recovery is becoming more self sustaining and as such no longer needs ultra-low rates,” said James Nixon, chief European economist at Societe Generale in London.

From BusinessWeek • Jun. 9, 2011

This, it was argued, would be the most effective way of rendering the colony prosperous and self sustaining.

From Virginia under the Stuarts 1607-1688 by Wertenbaker, Thomas Jefferson

self-sustaining

Example Sentences

Related Words