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

The circular logic of it would be darkly comic if tens of thousands of livelihoods weren't caught in the middle. — Jemma Green, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

The trickle-down effect could mean businesses closing and employees losing their livelihoods. — Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 1 July 2026

For instance, researchers don’t actually know how many fish are caught or how many people’s livelihoods are involved in small-scale fishing. — Mark Axelrod, The Conversation, 30 June 2026

The move reflects growing concern over the disaster’s mental health impact as thousands cope with the loss of relatives, homes and livelihoods. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 28 June 2026

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