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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.

Emma Hodge from the East Antrim hounds said she is very concerned at the proposed legislation and the impact it will have on her pack and her livelihood.

From BBC • May 26, 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

A few kilometres from Kinshasa, small-scale fishing still provides a livelihood for more than 600 families on the small river island of Kimpoko.

From Barron's • May 20, 2026

British Columbia Premier David Eby has opposed the new project, arguing it poses a risk to the northwestern Pacific coast and would disrupt the livelihood of the region’s residents.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026

We played a game called “river kids,” imagining we lived alone on the river, scavenging for our livelihood and hiding from the adults who wanted to put us in an orphanage.

From "Turtles All the Way Down" by John Green




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