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
These productions took place just as the Great Recession was about to mow down the lives and livelihoods of dedicated workers, many of whom lost more than their homes as banks were bailed out despite their predatory shenanigans.
—
Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026
The insect thrives in warm savanna woodlands and in vegetation along lakes or streams, so the disease tends to take hold in remote areas where people rely on fishing, hunting and agriculture for their livelihoods.
—Fran Kritz, NPR, 16 Mar. 2026
As in the Hollywood creative community, many in Asia’s film business are deeply anxious about their livelihoods and the changes AI will bring to the art form that has been their life’s work.
—Mathew Scott, HollywoodReporter, 16 Mar. 2026
In that scenario, Khosla suggested that the youngest generation may not need a college degree to build a livelihood—or even need traditional employment at all.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for livelihood
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Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026
The insect thrives in warm savanna woodlands and in vegetation along lakes or streams, so the disease tends to take hold in remote areas where people rely on fishing, hunting and agriculture for their livelihoods.
—Fran Kritz, NPR, 16 Mar. 2026
As in the Hollywood creative community, many in Asia’s film business are deeply anxious about their livelihoods and the changes AI will bring to the art form that has been their life’s work.
—Mathew Scott, HollywoodReporter, 16 Mar. 2026
In that scenario, Khosla suggested that the youngest generation may not need a college degree to build a livelihood—or even need traditional employment at all.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for livelihood
Cite this Entry
“Livelihood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/livelihood. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.
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livelihood
noun
live·li·hood
ˈlīv-lē-ˌhu̇d
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