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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:

The animals’ success has delighted conservationists but frustrated some cattle ranchers, whose livelihood can become dinner for the endangered canids.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 30, 2026

"Since the company came, I have seen the exploitation. But the development has also provided a livelihood for many people."

From BBC ● Sep. 25, 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

They saw the fire and smoke before them, but could not believe that the city, with their means of livelihood, had been swept away during the night.”

From "The Great Fire" by Jim Murphy

Meanwhile, fishermen and tourism workers fear for their livelihoods.

From Barron's ● Oct. 1, 2026

The same tourism that supports local livelihoods could also threaten the darkness that makes Hanle unique.

From BBC ● Sep. 26, 2026

Los Angeles’ identity and workers’ livelihoods are at stake, say worried residents who fear that Paramount will leave the state.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 16, 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

In the century following the death of Dufay, life for composers whose livelihoods depended on the Church was to become both dangerous and unpredictable.

From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall




Vocabulary lists containing livelihood


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