self-sustaining

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "self-sustaining" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that can maintain itself without external assistance, often in contexts related to systems, economies, or environments. Example: "The community developed a self-sustaining model that allowed them to thrive without outside help."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

The program is self-sustaining.

The New York Times

The economy will not be self-sustaining.

The New Yorker

Could recycling be self-sustaining?

The New York Times

Make all county courses self-sustaining.

The New York Times

Benedictine orders, by rule, are self-sustaining.

The New York Times

Ultimately we need to become self-sustaining.

The Guardian

At a certain point, these feedback loops become self-sustaining.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

On track to create a nice self sustaining business.

TechCrunch

These pods will hopefully start to become self sustaining.

TechCrunch

A virtuous and self sustaining cycle is created.

TechCrunch

2) it's a self sustaining community.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a business or program, use "self-sustaining" to emphasize its financial independence and ability to operate without external funding.

Common error

Avoid using "self-sustaining" when you actually mean "sustainable". "Self-sustaining" implies an ability to maintain itself, while "sustainable" suggests it can be maintained over a long period without depleting resources or causing environmental damage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "self-sustaining" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate the ability of something to maintain itself independently. As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes the capacity of a system or entity to operate without external support.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "self-sustaining" is a versatile adjective used to describe the capacity of something to maintain itself independently. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability. It appears frequently in diverse contexts, from news and media to science and technology, emphasizing its broad understanding. While closely related to terms like "self-sufficient" and "independent", it's crucial to distinguish it from "sustainable", which focuses on long-term environmental viability. When writing, use "self-sustaining" to highlight financial independence or operational autonomy, and avoid confusing it with other similar terms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

self-sufficient

Focuses more on the ability to provide all necessities independently.

independent

Emphasizes the lack of reliance on external control or support.

autonomous

Highlights the ability to govern or control itself.

self-reliant

Stresses the dependence on one's own capabilities and resources.

viable

Indicates the capacity to survive or be successful.

self-supporting

Implies the ability to provide financial or material needs.

self-generating

Focuses on the capacity to create or produce internally.

resourceful

Highlights the ability to find clever ways to overcome difficulties.

stand-alone

Emphasizes the ability to function separately from other systems or entities.

self-operating

Highlights the capacity to function without external control or intervention.

FAQs

How to use "self-sustaining" in a sentence?

You can use "self-sustaining" to describe systems, economies, or processes that can maintain themselves without external assistance. For example, "The community developed a "self-sustaining model" that allowed them to thrive without outside help".

What can I say instead of "self-sustaining"?

You can use alternatives like "self-sufficient", "independent", or "autonomous" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "self-sustaining" or "sustainable"?

"Self-sustaining" implies the ability to maintain itself, whereas "sustainable" suggests it can be maintained over the long term without depleting resources. The correct choice depends on the specific meaning you intend to convey.

What's the difference between "self-sustaining" and "self-sufficient"?

"Self-sustaining" typically refers to a system's ability to maintain itself, while "self-sufficient" often refers to an individual's or community's ability to provide for its own needs without external assistance.