Definition of self-determination in US English:

noun

• 1The process by which a country determines its own statehood and forms its own allegiances and government.

  ‘the changes cannot be made until the country's right to self-determination is recognized’

  More example sentences

  • ‘Autonomy and self-determination are still little more than ideals that can inspire.’
  • ‘Many people with whom he spoke in the provinces had expressed a desire for self-determination and perhaps autonomy.’
  • ‘Broadly speaking, they see their struggle as part of the still unfulfilled quest for self-determination and for genuine sovereignty.’
  • ‘The right of national self-determination implied by full recognition will be hard for them to accept.’
  • ‘Many people from across the spectrum sacrificed for the goal of self-determination and the independence of Namibia.’
  • ‘What they recognize is the struggle of our people for self-determination.’
  • ‘What meaning can democracy have if it is unaccompanied by self-determination and sovereignty?’
  • ‘They would do better to remind their friends that there can be no democracy without genuine sovereignty and self-determination.’
  • ‘The demand for the right to self-determination, or even independence, must not only be made for negative reasons.’
  • ‘Aboriginal sovereignty and self-determination are key ideas for you.’
  • ‘For international politics, popular sovereignty implied both national sovereignty and self-determination.’
  • ‘In the process, there will be little scope for the exercise of freedom, civil rights and self-determination.’

  Synonyms

  autonomy, independence, self-government, self-rule, home rule, self-legislation, non-alignment, freedom

  View synonyms

  1. 1.1 The process by which a person controls their own life.
     Example sentences

     • ‘We have evolved a fantasy of self-determination that seems to have put fate out of business.’
     • ‘It is in the exercise of self-determination that we maintain some control over, and take responsibility for, our lives and for what we will become.’
     • ‘To me, the exciting element that unites all these stories is autonomy and self-determination.’
     • ‘We support the development of the human potential and individual self-determination.’
     • ‘Autonomy is about self-determination, being free from external influences and governed by one's own mind.’
     • ‘The concepts inherent in this right are the bedrock upon which the principles of self-determination and individual autonomy are based.’
     • ‘According to the right of self-determination, it is their own decision.’
     • ‘They are playful, bold and value their freedom and sense of self-determination.’
     • ‘Have you not been confusing Christian freedom with careless and reckless self-determination?’