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Definition of subsistence
1a (1) : real being : existence (2) : the condition of remaining in existence : continuation, persistenceb : an essential characteristic quality of something that existsc : the character possessed by whatever is logically conceivable
2 : means of subsisting: such asa : the minimum (as of food and shelter) necessary to support lifeb : a source or means of obtaining the necessities of life
From the M-W Editors
Examples of subsistence in a Sentence
They depended on hunting and fishing for subsistence.
Farming is their means of subsistence.
Recent Examples of subsistence from the Web
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Mining is a common alternative to subsistence farming in this impoverished country.
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In the mid-1990s a couple of green sturgeon were caught in a subsistence net on the Naknek beach.
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Kasai in particular is deeply impoverished, with most of the population relying on subsistence farming.
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A young Saddam, the story went, was ambitious and desperate to escape his stepfather’s abuse and a dismal future as a subsistence farmer in the dusty and violent backwater of Awja.
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When there is enough rainfall, most people, even those who live below the International Poverty Line as stipulated by the World Bank ($1.90 a-day), are able to feed themselves with subsistence farming.
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The main livelihood activities are pastoralism (raising of cows, goats, sheep and camels) and/or subsistence farming — raising food crops for one’s household.
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The DAFF allocated 212 million rand for drought-relief measures but only spent 146 million rand, 90 percent of which went to subsistence farmers, Agri SA said.
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That is good money in rural Myanmar, where most farmers earn a subsistence income.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'subsistence'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of subsistence
Middle English, from Late Latin subsistentia, from subsistent-, subsistens, present participle of subsistere
SUBSISTENCE Defined for English Language Learners
subsistence
playDefinition of subsistence for English Language Learners
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: the amount of food, money, etc., that is needed to stay alive
SUBSISTENCE Defined for Kids
subsistence
playDefinition of subsistence for Students
: the smallest amount (as of food and clothing) necessary to support life
Learn More about subsistence
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See words that rhyme with subsistence Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for subsistence Spanish Central: Translation of subsistence Nglish: Translation of subsistence for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of subsistence for Arabic speakers
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