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 standard is built on a combination of practice- and outcome-based expectations, and includes comprehensive criteria for land management, animal welfare, human rights and the livelihoods of workers. —Jennifer Bringle, Sourcing Journal, 12 Dec. 2025

Along with homes and livelihoods, residents also lost their crops. —Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 12 Dec. 2025

Working people built a bipartisan coalition to restore union rights to federal workers in the face of unprecedented attacks on our freedoms and livelihoods. —Associate News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2025

If Sora can generate look-alike renderings, drawings, or sets, what will that do to the livelihoods of tens of thousands of employees? —Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 11 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