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 Vatican for years has taken a firm stand against multinational mining corporations, especially in Latin America and in favor of the Indigenous peoples, whose lands and livelihoods are often ravaged when mining projects come to town.
—
ABC News, 20 June 2026
Hundreds of South African garment workers have staged walkouts to protest the mass firing of co-workers from neighboring countries like Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, warning that rising anti-immigrant sentiment could jeopardize the livelihoods of both locals and migrants.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 18 June 2026
The issue has been of particular importance to voice over artists, warn of the proliferation of their likeness undercutting their livelihoods.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 18 June 2026
Supporters say the gambling money is a godsend for ranchers, fishermen, paddlers and others who want to protect the state’s water and those who depend on it for their livelihoods.
—Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for livelihood
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ABC News, 20 June 2026
Hundreds of South African garment workers have staged walkouts to protest the mass firing of co-workers from neighboring countries like Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, warning that rising anti-immigrant sentiment could jeopardize the livelihoods of both locals and migrants.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 18 June 2026
The issue has been of particular importance to voice over artists, warn of the proliferation of their likeness undercutting their livelihoods.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 18 June 2026
Supporters say the gambling money is a godsend for ranchers, fishermen, paddlers and others who want to protect the state’s water and those who depend on it for their livelihoods.
—Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 18 June 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 22 Jun. 2026.
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livelihood
noun
live·li·hood
ˈlīv-lē-ˌhu̇d
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