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.
The couple had been living in the exclusive unincorporated golf community of Bermuda Dunes, just east of Palm Desert.
From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2026
With most users waiting two years before seeking help with mounting debt, Campbell expects that reported rates debt will increase sharply as the cost of living crisis continues to bite.
From BBC • May 20, 2026
The “gig economy” entered the lingo in 2009, as increasing numbers of people tried to cobble two or more part-time, no-benefit “gigs” into a living wage.
From Barron's • May 20, 2026
Nearly seven million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer's disease, and women make up the majority of those cases.
From Science Daily • May 20, 2026
I cannot keep living divided this way, I cannot keep feeling as though I am still in that switchboard room, still in that switchboard room with Luc.
From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse
