livelihood

American  

[lahyv-lee-hood] / ˈlaɪv liˌhʊd /

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

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livelihood British  

/ ˈlaɪvlɪˌhʊd /

noun

1. occupation or employment

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Usage

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.

Etymology

Origin of livelihood

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 is their livelihood, they had mouths to feed, they need to live. As a commuter, I need to understand their situation as well."

From BBC

"I don't believe in taking away people's jobs or livelihoods because they hold legally protected beliefs that differ from mine."

From BBC

Weavers and bank tellers feared for their livelihoods at the time, but the Industrial Revolution led to significantly more hiring in the textile sector, and banks increased employment after ATMs were introduced.

From The Wall Street Journal

The authors said for too long the group has been ignored but "are an essential part of people's livelihoods".

From BBC

Elmer Rice’s “The Adding Machine,” an expressionist classic on automation and worker insecurity, speaks directly to an age in which livelihoods are threatened by AI innovation.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• employment
• income
• living
• subsistence
• sustenance