Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913 Self-sufficiency /sĕlˌ-fsəf-ĭsh'-ən-sēˌ/ · Self·-suf·fi·cien·cy · IPA /sˌɛlfsəfˈɪʃənsˌiː/ 01 n. The quality or state of being self-sufficient. 1. The quality or state of being self-sufficient.