standard of living

noun phrase

1

: the necessities, comforts, and luxuries enjoyed or aspired to by an individual or group

2

: a minimum of necessities, comforts, or luxuries held essential to maintaining a person or group in customary or proper status or circumstances

Examples of standard of living in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Raising our standard of living is the best way to protect our environment. — Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026

As a result, workers enjoyed a strong job market and higher standards of living. — Barbara Hagenbaugh, USA Today, 22 June 2026

But earnings — by themselves — do not promise a good standard of living if students leave school with thousands in debt to pay off. — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026

My agenda will raise people’s standard of living and expectations of the public servant. — Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 4 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for standard of living

• almsgiving
• caregiving
• forgiving
• misgiving
• nonliving
• reliving
• thanksgiving
• giving
• sieving
• unforgiving

Kids Definition

standard of living

: the necessities, comforts, and luxuries that a person or group is accustomed to