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

People had lost their homes and livelihoods and were facing yet more loss. —Helen Regan, CNN Money, 6 Dec. 2025

Since state jobs are won through cronyism and bribery, livelihoods were also at stake. —Nabil Salih, Time, 4 Dec. 2025

Over the past decade, the work has highlighted when and where there has been insufficient progress in boosting livelihoods and leadership opportunities for women and ethnic minorities. —Josefina Echavarria Alvarez, The Conversation, 3 Dec. 2025

When Ma realizes that the thief, a young man striving to provide for his own family, followed her home from the shelter, the two families’ needs and livelihoods become entangled. —Emma Alpern, Vulture, 2 Dec. 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