day-to-day
Americanadjective
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occurring each day; daily.
day-to-day chores; day-to-day worries.
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concerned only with immediate needs or desires without preparation for the future.
adjective
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Also, from day to day.
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Continuously, without interruption, on a daily basis. For example, Running this office day to day is not an easy task . [Late 1800s]
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live from day to day . Be interested only in immediate concerns, without thought for the future. For example, Jean lives from day to day, planning nothing in advance . Also see live for the moment .
Etymology
Origin of day-to-day
Middle English word dating back to 1150–1200
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He has been day-to-day since injuring his right ankle against Orlando on March 21.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026
“That higher starting yield can improve the long-term income profile of a portfolio, even if day-to-day pricing remains uneven.”
From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026
Kirsh’s three children aren’t involved in the day-to-day operations, a person with knowledge of the company said.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026
Speaking about his split from this first wife Jane, he said being away "changes you" as he was not involved in the day-to-day lives of his family and friends.
From BBC • Mar. 29, 2026
People need to do what they can to manage the day-to-day in this place, but making Mobius feel like home is the last thing I want.
From "Internment" by Samira Ahmed
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
