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.
Evergrande's rise was propelled by decades of rapid urbanisation and rising living standards, but in 2020, its access to credit dramatically narrowed when the government introduced curbs on excessive borrowing and speculation.
From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026
The living area boasts a cozy fireplace and floor-to-ceiling windows.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026
Once this list has been decided, more than 1200 people, including every living inductees are sent a ballot and can vote on which nominees should be inducted.
From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026
He finds himself in the titular Lidsville, a land of living hats.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026
Beyond it being entirely unsafe, he had no desire for the scrutiny of living animals.
From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman
