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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.

Windsor sits across the Detroit River from the U.S., and the city relies on automotive manufacturing and U.S. trade for its economic livelihood.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney pledged Friday to work with Alberta to improve the livelihood of its residents after Smith unveiled her plans.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

And not just because one of the leading contestants torched himself and his political livelihood in a bonfire of hubris and stupidity.

From Los Angeles Times • May 10, 2026

Failure to do so would "open the door for crippling liability and undermine the interest of farmers who depend on federally registered pesticides for their livelihood," he said.

From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026

For the loggers, the mountain was their livelihood.

From "Mountain of Fire" by Rebecca E. F. Barone




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