earn a living
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 I can’t earn a living because the price of gasoline keeps rising, I’ll have to dock the boat,” he said.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026
If machines can perform most economically valuable work better than humans can, how do people earn a living and support their families?
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026
That is enough, they say, for them to earn a living and risk taking cases on a contingency fee basis — meaning, if they lose, they don’t get paid.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 17, 2026
Fishermen say the platform is built around a natural reef rich with fish – the restrictions mean their catches are smaller and they barely earn a living.
From BBC • Oct. 1, 2025
“How can you earn a living that way?”
From "Inkheart" by Cornelia Funke
