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

A quarter of Punjab's 30 million people depend on agriculture, raising immediate concern about rural livelihoods.

From BBC

That includes videos made by users who have built their livelihoods on the service, helping turn it into the biggest streaming entertainment provider in the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

“This administration is dedicated to removing burdensome, outdated, one-size-fits-all regulations that not only put people and livelihoods at risk but also stifle economic growth in rural America,” Rollins said Wednesday.

From Los Angeles Times

This will disrupt millions of livelihoods across the country's export-driven industries that supply everything from clothes to diamonds and shrimp to American consumers.

From BBC

BBC correspondents visited key export hubs across India to assess how the trade uncertainties are impacting business owners and livelihoods.

From BBC

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.