subsist
verb (used without object)
to exist; continue in existence.
was subsisting
-
past progressiveof subsist.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
Why was subsisting exclusively on carrot sticks and cherry tomatoes dipped in ketchup OK when I was 180 pounds but not when I was 103 pounds?
From Slate ● Mar. 2, 2021
She already seems like a bit of a thing, and she was subsisting, on these 800-calorie-a-day things.
From Salon ● Jan. 25, 2020
Whoever left the prehistoric poops was subsisting on small fare in bulk rather than loading up on larger entrees, avoiding the Mesozoic carving station and going in for Jurassic tapas.
From Scientific American ● Sep. 1, 2019
By 1952, Storer was subsisting on loans and income from selling school property.
From Washington Post ● Oct. 21, 2015
The few years Collins passed in the metropolis he was subsisting with or upon his friends; and, being a pleasing companion, he obtained many literary acquaintances.
From Calamities and Quarrels of Authors by Isaac Disraeli
