Word

autonomy

noun C1

UK /ɔːˈtɒn.ə.mi/

US /ɔˈtɑ.nə.mi/

Meanings

noun

the freedom and ability to make your own choices and control your life

noun

the right or power of a group, region, or organization to govern itself and make its own rules

Definition

Autonomy is the freedom and authority to make your own decisions and govern yourself.

Autonomy refers to being able to decide and act independently, without being controlled by others. It can describe a person’s independence in daily life or an organization’s power to manage its own affairs. The idea often includes responsibility, because greater freedom usually comes with greater accountability.

Examples

After years of close supervision, she negotiated more autonomy in how she organized her work.
The new principal gave teachers autonomy to design courses that fit their students’ needs.
As he moved out, he valued autonomy but quickly realized it required careful planning.
They defended the region’s autonomy while still cooperating with the national government on shared projects.

Common mistake

Learners often confuse autonomy with automation, but autonomy is about independence, not machines doing tasks automatically.