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

Settler attacks damaged or seized about 160 Palestinian water and sanitation structures this year, deepening shortages that are forcing farmers to abandon fields and threatening local livelihoods. — Melanie Lidman, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2026

Polling shows Americans are largely skeptical of claims that the US must beat China at AI development, and that people are generally worried the technology is moving fast enough to pose a risk to their jobs and livelihood. — Ashley Gold, semafor.com, 25 Sep. 2026

The need for action is obvious, as are the consequences of delay, which will be measured in people’s livelihoods as well as corporate balance sheets. — Johannes Teyssen, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2026

Republicans are starting to realize that many of their president’s actions are detrimental to their extended political livelihoods. — Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 23 Sep. 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