subsistence

[suhb-sis-tuhns]

noun

1. the state or fact of subsisting.

2. the state or fact of existing.

3. the providing of sustenance or support.

   Synonyms: nourishment, maintenance, survival

4. means of supporting life; a living or livelihood.

5. the source from which food and other items necessary to exist are obtained.

6. Philosophy.

   1. existence, especially of an independent entity.

   2. the quality of having timeless or abstract existence.

   3. mode of existence or that by which a substance is individualized.

subsistence

/ səbˈsɪstəns /

noun

1. the means by which one maintains life

2. the act or condition of subsisting

3. a thing that has real existence

4. the state of being inherent

5. philosophy an inferior mode of being ascribed to the references of general terms which do not in fact exist See also nonbeing

Other Word Forms

• intersubsistence noun
• nonsubsistence noun
• presubsistence noun
• self-subsistence noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of subsistence¹

1400–50; late Middle English < Late Latin subsistentia; subsist, -ence

Example Sentences

Its agro-ecological diversity is critical for subsistence farming and staple food crops, such as avocados, cassava and maize, as well as export products like cocoa, coffee, bananas and cotton.

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The owner of Alaska Waterfalls has a wealth of knowledge to share about the area where he grew up, and we discussed subsistence fishing, hunting, and more for a truly magical experience.

Read more on Salon

As of today, the monuments still exist, though their subsistence seems at risk.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

For example, the bill includes special provisions for oil and gas leasing in Alaska, the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska, tax breaks related to Native Alaskan subsistence Whaling,

Read more on Salon

"A subsistence economy will lead us nowhere. Currently, we are not in a better position than many other African countries in this regard," he said.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• livelihood 
• ration 
• sustenance