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 outcome holds implications for the livelihoods of billions of people and the performance of companies big and small across the globe. —Max Zahn, ABC News, 24 Apr. 2026

Exley's livelihood is also at the mercy of the weather. —Ryan Hughes, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026

For environmentalists, these worlds are full of people whose livelihoods depend on healthy land, clean water and thriving ecosystems. —Nadia Gill, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2026

Oil spilt there has the potential to affect the lives and livelihoods of people along the Gulf coastlines, as well as the region’s rich marine life. —Antoinette Radford, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 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