Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for livelihood.
Definitions

livelihood

[lahyv-lee-hood] / ˈlaɪv liˌhʊd /
NOUN
occupation
Synonyms
STRONGEST
employment income living subsistence sustenance
STRONG
alimentation art business circumstances craft game grind job keep maintenance means profession racket resources slot support thing trade vocation work
WEAK
bread and butter nine-to-five rat race source of income what one is into
Antonyms
STRONG
avocation entertainment fun pastime recreation unemployment

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.

"I hate it," says David McQueen, retired Vietnam veteran who depends on social security for his livelihood.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

Hans Holbein the Younger maintained his livelihood as a painter through times of religious and political turmoil.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

The 150 shops are a vital source of livelihood for many and an illustration of resilience.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2026

Financial infidelity is at least as damaging to a marriage and a couple’s livelihood as other kinds of secrecy and unfaithfulness.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 2, 2026

I liked the idea that no one would steal another person’s livelihood, even though they could do it in the dark of night, unseen.

From "Beyond the Bright Sea" by Lauren Wolk

Vocabulary lists containing livelihood

The Vocabulary.com Top 1000

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Can I Work It? Words for "Job"

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

"A Modest Proposal" by Jonathan Swift

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!