livelihood
[lahyv-lee-hood]
- a means of supporting one's existence, especially financially or vocationally; living: to earn a livelihood as a tenant farmer.
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Origin of livelihood
Synonyms
See more synonyms for on Thesaurus.comSynonym study
See living.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
livingsubsistencesustenanceemploymentincomeslotvocationartbusinessmeanssupportworkprofessiongamekeepthingjobcraftmaintenancegrindExamples from the Web for livelihood
Contemporary Examples
To never, ever, ever put my livelihood in a position where I depended on white people liking me.
Ebony had been 12 when her mother was suddenly deprived of her livelihood.
It is often directly related to your income or livelihood and I take it very seriously.
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February 6, 2014
The government tells these people that they have to be responsible for their own livelihood, then denies them the right to work.
How does violent crime affect the shopkeepers who rely on tourists for a livelihood?
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August 7, 2013
Historical Examples
Still, I had nothing; not even the means of seeking a livelihood.
Ned MyersJames Fenimore Cooper
But you know it is time I was doing something to earn my own livelihood now.
The Slave Of The LampHenry Seton Merriman
I will do anything Tom, anything, to gain a livelihood by my own exertions.
Life And Adventures Of Martin ChuzzlewitCharles Dickens
Was not his accordion there to show that he possessed a regular means of livelihood?
A Nest of SpiesPierre Souvestre
No other person seemed to know with certainty what were Wilson's means of livelihood.
The Shadow of a CrimeHall Caine
livelihood
- occupation or employment
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for livelihood
n.
1610s, alteration of livelode "means of keeping alive" (c.1300), from Old English lifad "course of life," from lif "life" + lad "way, course" (see load). Cf. Old High German libleita. Spelling assimilated to words in -hood. Earlier livelihood was a different word, meaning "liveliness," from lively.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper