subsistence

noun

sub·​sis·​tence səb-ˈsi-stən(t)s 

1

a(1)

: real being : existence

(2)

: the condition of remaining in existence : continuation, persistence

b

: an essential characteristic quality of something that exists

c

: the character possessed by whatever is logically conceivable

2

: means of subsisting: such as

a

: the minimum (as of food and shelter) necessary to support life

b

: a source or means of obtaining the necessities of life

subsistent

səb-ˈsi-stənt 

adjective

Synonyms

• actuality
• corporality
• corporeality
• existence
• reality
• thingness

Examples of subsistence in a Sentence

They depended on hunting and fishing for subsistence.

Farming is their means of subsistence.

Recent Examples on the Web

Salmon are also central to the cultures of Native tribes, whose leaders canceled subsistence fishing last year. —Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2024

The filling of cheese and bread crumbs also reflects an area in which sheep rearing was the main form of subsistence for centuries. —Rachel Roddy, New York Times, 13 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Late Latin subsistentia, from subsistent-, subsistens, present participle of subsistere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Phrases Containing subsistence

• subsistence farming
• subsistence level

Kids Definition

subsistence

noun

sub·​sis·​tence səb-ˈsis-tən(t)s 

1

a

: real being : existence

b

: the condition of remaining in existence : continuation, persistence

2

a

: means of subsisting

b

: the minimum (as of food and shelter) necessary to support life

subsistent

-tənt 

adjective