existence
Americannoun
-
the fact or state of existing; being
-
the continuance or maintenance of life; living, esp in adverse circumstances
a struggle for existence
she has a wretched existence
-
something that exists; a being or entity
-
everything that exists, esp that is living
Other Word Forms
- postexistence noun
Etymology
Origin of existence
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English word from Late Latin word ex(s)istentia. See exist, -ence
Explanation
Existence is the state of being alive or being real. For example, you and your best friend disagree about the existence of Bigfoot if you think it's real and your friend doesn't. The noun existence can be used many different ways, but it always has to do with being alive or with simply "being". You can talk about the survival of something as its existence, like your yo-yo club having lost so many members that its existence is in danger. The particular way you live is another meaning of existence; if you live a quiet, lonely life in the country, you could describe it as a solitary existence.
Vocabulary lists containing existence
Commonly Misspelled Words, List 1
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
List 2
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
List 1
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
If your "love" is a feeling of profound connection and unbreakable dedication, then my "love" is the mathematical certainty that my existence is meaningless without yours.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026
“Six months ago we were questioning the company’s existence, but they now seem to have turned an important corner,” Goldberg wrote.
From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026
“Six months ago we were questioning the company’s existence, but they now seem to have turned an important corner,” Seaport Research’s Jay Goldberg said in a note to clients on Friday.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026
Confirming the existence of these networks presented a major challenge.
From Science Daily • Apr. 10, 2026
May was the granddaughter of Snow White, a member of one of the oldest royal families in existence.
From "Half Upon a Time" by James Riley
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.
