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Showing results for livelihood. Search instead for liveli hood.
Definitions

livelihood

[lahyv-lee-hood] / ˈlaɪv liˌhʊd /


Usage

What are other ways to say livelihood? Livelihood and the less formal word living, both refer to what one earns to keep (oneself) alive, but are seldom interchangeable within the same phrase: to threaten one's livelihood; to earn one's living. “To make a livelihood out of something” suggests making a business of it: to make a livelihood out of knitting hats. “To make a living” suggests making just enough to keep alive, and is particularly frequent in the negative: You cannot make a living out of that.  Maintenance refers usually to what is spent for the living of another: to provide for the maintenance of someone. Maintenance occasionally refers to the allowance itself provided for livelihood: They are entitled to a maintenance from this estate.

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.

See Examples For:

"People depend on millet for livelihood. We depend on electricity for livelihood", the 40-year-old told AFP.

From Barron's Sep. 17, 2026

He pledged on Monday to "make progress on livelihood issues, the economy and childcare assistance" by listening to views of all Okinawan residents.

From Barron's Sep. 14, 2026

Drolma’s livelihood depends on her ability to spot the best mushrooms at the auction.

From The Wall Street Journal Sep. 12, 2026

“My livelihood is directly dependent on the environment,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times Sep. 5, 2026

“He’s been kind of funny about it. Like he’s not sure. But I don’t see how he can’t go along with the others. It’s his livelihood, Brady. It’s what puts food on this table.”

From "Red Kayak" by Priscilla Cummings

Much of it can be subsistence looting, with people selling antiquities because their livelihoods have been disrupted by war.

From Los Angeles Times Sep. 8, 2026

“Restoring access to the U.S. market would support Greenlandic hunters and communities, while also sending a powerful signal that America respects Greenlanders’ culture, livelihoods and right to make these choices for themselves,” Swets said.

From The Wall Street Journal Sep. 7, 2026

"Reconstruction might take the priority over reform," he said, pointing to devastated hydropower projects, destroyed communities and the urgent need to restore livelihoods.

From Barron's Sep. 2, 2026

But residents still struggle to rebuild their livelihoods.

From BBC Aug. 28, 2026

Second, it encourages a healthy fear of humans—discouraging the cubs from wandering onto farms and being shot by farmers protecting their livelihoods.

From "Camp Panda" by Catherine Thimmesh




Vocabulary lists containing livelihood


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