getting by

VERB

manage, survive

Synonyms

STRONGEST

cope get along get on prosper subsist thrive

WEAK

contrive do do well enough exist fare flourish make ends meet make out muddle through shift succeed

Antonyms

STRONGEST

fail lose

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.

"Many restaurants aren't even making money. They're just getting by," Andrew Rigie, executive director of the New York City Hospitality Alliance, told AFP.

From Barron's • Apr. 28, 2026

“For those people who are just getting by, they may be thinking: ‘I’m going to deal with that later.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 21, 2026

“Those who manage to buy cooking gas are getting by somewhat, but most have to use gas or charcoal. There’s no internet connection either.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 17, 2026

The canine, called Floyd, appears to be thriving on The Rock - renowned for its abandoned prison - and getting by on an avian diet.

From BBC • Jan. 30, 2026

“We expect no more these days. People have enough trouble getting by on their own. . . .”

From "I Am the Messenger" by Markus Zusak