nondependent

Standing on own

Nondependent describes someone or something not relying on another for support, sustenance, or function.

In tax and insurance contexts, a nondependent is a person who doesn't qualify as a dependent—typically an adult child or relative who provides their own financial support: Nondependent children aren't covered under this policy.

The word also appears in technical contexts meaning operating independently of external factors.

autonomous

self-governing

Controlling one's own affairs

self-determiningControlling one's own fate
sovereignSupreme in power
self-directedManaging oneself without supervision

self-regulating · autarkic · empowered · liberated · free · unconstrained · unrestrained · unfettered · agency · self-possessed

self-sufficient

self-reliant

Able to provide independently

self-supportingAble to maintain oneself
self-containedWhole without external parts
resourcefulSkilled at solving problems

capable · competent · resilient · provident · sustainable · solvent · self-starter · self-made · sturdy · robust

unattached

unaffiliated

Not formally connected

uncommittedNot bound to anything
uninvolvedNot taking part
disengagedNot participating or invested

unbound · disconnected · detached · separate · neutral · unaligned · nonpartisan · freestanding · standalone · unconnected

Opposites

dependency/reliance

nondependentdependent

Requiring outside support

dependant · ward · reliant · supported · claimable

autonomy/self-sufficiency

nondependentdependent

Requiring outside support

reliant · subordinate · supported · contingent · attached

Family

depend, independent, independence, dependent, dependable, dependence, dependency, independently, depended

Familiarity: Top 500,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Rated G