livelihood

[lahyv-lee-hood]

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

livelihood

/ ˈlaɪvlɪˌhʊd /

noun

1. occupation or employment

Word History and Origins

Origin of livelihood¹

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

In one way or another, “digging” has marked Kurata’s creative livelihood.

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Such a shift would be disastrous for the hundreds of millions of people whose livelihoods are tied to coral reefs, and the estimated one million species that depend on them.

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Large players hire drilling and fracking crews, which in turn provide a livelihood to an ecosystem of smaller services providers.

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He lost his home, his livelihood and went bankrupt as a result.

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The 355-247 majority vote is seen as a victory for livestock farmers who say the labels threaten their industry and livelihoods.

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Related Words

• employment 
• income 
• living 
• subsistence 
• sustenance 

When To Use

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.