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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.

In Paris he found a livelihood and literary standing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

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

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

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

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




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