subsistence
noun
sub·sis·tence
səb-ˈsi-stən(t)s 
1
a(1)
: real being : existence
(2)
: the condition of remaining in existence : continuation, persistence
b
: an essential characteristic quality of something that exists
c
: the character possessed by whatever is logically conceivable
2
: means of subsisting: such as
a
: the minimum (as of food and shelter) necessary to support life
b
: a source or means of obtaining the necessities of life
Examples of subsistence in a Sentence
They depended on hunting and fishing for subsistence.
Farming is their means of subsistence.
Recent Examples on the Web
That project would require relocating villages home to indigenous groups that rely on farming for subsistence – and has sparked local opposition and concern, according to people familiar with the situation.
—
Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 17 Dec. 2025
These waters exhibit higher acidity and elevated levels of toxic metals, which can contaminate fish habitat and drinking water and impact subsistence livelihoods.
—Matthew L. Druckenmiller, The Conversation, 16 Dec. 2025
An exemption applies only to animal fur obtained by Indigenous communities through traditional subsistence hunting practices.
—Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 3 Dec. 2025
The practice of subsistence hunting continued for decades, little changed.
—Ben Taub, New Yorker, 24 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subsistence
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Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 17 Dec. 2025
These waters exhibit higher acidity and elevated levels of toxic metals, which can contaminate fish habitat and drinking water and impact subsistence livelihoods.
—Matthew L. Druckenmiller, The Conversation, 16 Dec. 2025
An exemption applies only to animal fur obtained by Indigenous communities through traditional subsistence hunting practices.
—Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 3 Dec. 2025
The practice of subsistence hunting continued for decades, little changed.
—Ben Taub, New Yorker, 24 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subsistence
Cite this Entry
“Subsistence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subsistence. Accessed 26 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
subsistence
noun
sub·sis·tence
səb-ˈsis-tən(t)s
1
a
: real being : existence
b
: the condition of remaining in existence : continuation, persistence
2
a
: means of subsisting
b
: the minimum (as of food and shelter) necessary to support life
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