livelihood

noun

live·​li·​hood ˈlīv-lē-ˌhu̇d 

1

: means of support or subsistence (see subsistence sense 2)

The villagers' main livelihood is fishing.

2

obsolete : the quality or state of being lively

Examples of livelihood in a Sentence

Many fishermen believe that the new regulations threaten their livelihoods.

Recent Examples on the Web

Like nearly all the local fishermen, her father lost his boat, destroying both his livelihood and sense of self-worth. —Charlie Campbell, Time, 5 June 2025

Having compassion and empathy is one thing; putting yourself, your business and the people who work there, as well as your livelihood, on the line is another. —Lisa Zeiderman, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025

Brennan also revealed that people were calling his boss, which could have affected his livelihood. —Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 4 June 2025

Restaurants, shops, breweries, hotels, campgrounds, and businesses like McCall’s count on it for their livelihood. —Eric J. Wallace, Outside Online, 31 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

alteration of Middle English livelode course of life, from Old English līflād, from līf + lād course — more at lode

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for livelihood

• misunderstood
• unlikelihood
• adulthood
• babyhood
• brotherhood
• cottonwood
• fatherhood
• firewood
• fuelwood
• hardihood
• ironwood
• leatherwood

Kids Definition

livelihood

noun

live·​li·​hood ˈlīv-lē-ˌhu̇d 

: living entry 2 sense 3