self–sustaining

adjective self–sus·tain·ing \-sə-ˈstā-niŋ\

Definition of SELF-SUSTAINING

: maintaining or able to maintain oneself or itself by independent effort <a self–sustaining community>

: maintaining or able to maintain itself once commenced <a self–sustaining nuclear reaction>

1799

Synonyms: independent, self-dependent, self-reliant, self-subsistent, self-subsisting, self-supported, self-supporting, self-sustained, self-sustaining

Next Word in the Dictionary: self–takenPrevious Word in the Dictionary: self–sureAll Words Near: self-sustaining

What made you want to look up self-sustaining? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears