livelihood

[lahyv-lee-hood]

noun

1. a means of supporting one's existence, especially financially or vocationally; living.

   to earn a livelihood as a tenant farmer.

   Synonyms: subsistence, sustenance

livelihood

/ ˈlaɪvlɪˌhʊd /

noun

1. occupation or employment

Word History and Origins

Origin of livelihood¹

before 1000; earlier liveliod, livelihod, alteration (by reanalysis as lively + -hood; compare obsolete livelihood liveliness) of Middle English livelod, Old English līflād conduct of life, way of life ( life, lode, load )

Example Sentences

This Indiana voter says Democrats are playing politics with everyday Americans and their livelihood.

From BBC

"It doesn't solve any 'problem' — it creates the problem of using stolen performances to put actors out of work, jeopardizing performer livelihoods and devaluing human artistry," the union said.

From BBC

Mr Tillman says: "There's always that conscious thought about 'if it goes wrong, how could this impact the individuals on the street? How could it affect their jobs, their livelihoods?'."

From BBC

The mother-of-two lost her home, her livelihood and served two months in prison.

From BBC

The trial is trying to answer big questions about how we can produce enough food and protect farmer's livelihoods in a world being altered by climate change.

From BBC

Related Words

• employment 
• income 
• living 
• subsistence 
• sustenance 

When To Use

What are other ways to say livelihood?

A person’s livelihood is their means of supporting existence, especially financially or vocationally. Do you know the difference between livelihood, living, and maintenance? Find out on Thesaurus.com.