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

Directed by Harald Zwart (The Karate Kid remake), the caper follows six garage workers who, on learning that their livelihoods are now under threat, decide to pool all their resources together for one last hurrah cheering on their country at the 2006 World Cup. — Jon O'Brien, Vulture, 26 June 2026

Many live in quiet fear that AI will someday be, if not the death of art itself, then at least of the human artist’s livelihood. — Tim Brinkhof, Time, 26 June 2026

For this class, federal action (or inaction) makes or breaks their communities and livelihoods, with their frustration channeled through abstinence in the political process. — Alex Rosado, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 June 2026

Most teenagers will not have careers or livelihoods based on their respective sports, so emphasizing personal growth and enjoyment over elite outcomes is most often both constructive and realistic, experts say. — ABC News, 25 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