noun

autarky

AW-tuh-kee

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Autarky (noun) means a national policy of economic self-sufficiency that aims to end reliance on foreign imports. Example: “The government pursued autarky and restricted imports of almost everything.”

noun

A national policy of economic self-sufficiency that aims to end reliance on foreign imports.

"The government pursued autarky and restricted imports of almost everything."

"Total autarky is very hard for a small country to sustain."

"Some historians describe the regime's economy as a failed experiment in autarky."

A state of personal self-reliance and independence.

"He valued autarky above comfort and lived alone on a smallholding."

"Her dream of autarky ended when she needed help after the accident."

How to use autarky

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishBeing entirely self-sufficient, especially a country that does not rely on imports.

When to use it

It is a formal word found mostly in economics and politics.

Memory tip

Spell it with a k when you mean self-sufficiency, to avoid confusion with autarchy.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

autarchy

Common pairings

economic autarky national autarky policy of autarky move towards autarky

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “autarky” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The government pursued _____ and restricted imports of almost everything.

Etymology

Borrowed from Ancient Greek autarkeia, meaning self-sufficiency, with the English suffix -y added. The Greek is built from auto-, meaning self, and a verb meaning to suffice.

Origin: Ancient Greek

Synonyms

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self-sufficiency self-reliance independence autarchy

Antonyms

dependence

Related words

freedom confidence independence liberty addiction liberation sovereignty autonomy

Rhymes for autarky

Marky snarky Sparky sharky

See all rhymes for autarky →

Frequently asked questions

What does autarky mean?

Autarky means self-sufficiency. In economics it describes a country that tries to manage without foreign imports.

What is the difference between autarky and autarchy?

Autarky is self-sufficiency, while autarchy means absolute power. Autarky is also sometimes spelled autarchy, but the two should not be confused.

Is autarky countable?

Yes when it means a self-sufficient country or region, whose plural is autarkies. It is uncountable when it means the policy or the state of self-reliance.

What is the meaning of autarky?

"autarky" (noun) means a national policy of economic self-sufficiency that aims to end reliance on foreign imports.

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