living
Usage
What are other ways to say living?
Living and livelihood (a somewhat more formal word), both refer to what one earns to keep (oneself) alive, but are seldom interchangeable within the same phrase: to earn one's living; to threaten one's livelihood. “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. “To make a livelihood out of something” suggests rather making a business of it: to make a livelihood out of knitting hats. 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 was worried about them being criminals. But, with time, I have come to understand that they are just like our own citizens, also trying make a living outside the country."
From BBC • May 22, 2026
“Dinner dates naturally involve things like discussing preferences, sharing things, compromising and making decisions together, which are all key parts of a relationship,” said Emma Kendall, a 26-year-old lawyer living in Australia.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026
The people who lend money for a living lose their jobs for being wrong.
From MarketWatch • May 21, 2026
As a result, individuals living near agricultural zones may still encounter the toxin through dust and outdoor air.
From Science Daily • May 21, 2026
She showed me the living quarters in her attic.
From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom
