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

Understanding this complex relationship is crucial to protecting livelihoods and infrastructure in a warming planet. —Jamil Wyne, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025

The levee failures, delayed disaster response and irresponsible media coverage of Katrina epitomized the U.S. governmental failure and anti-Blackness that cost us our lives and livelihoods. —Cierra Chenier, Essence, 15 Apr. 2025

Communities without access to cooling measures, adequate housing and those who rely on the elements for their livelihoods will feel the effects much more acutely, said Malik. —Sophia Saifi, CNN Money, 15 Apr. 2025

Now, the government's cleanup plan faces the challenge of improving the tourist experience while also protecting the livelihoods of those who've long depended on getting money out of the tourists. —Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 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