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

subsistent

səb-ˈsi-stənt 

adjective

Synonyms of subsistence

• existence

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

The group had been living a subsistence lifestyle for about a decade. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 Aug. 2026

For example, the agriculture sector has become more dynamic during the war because the economy has shifted toward subsistence and away from higher-productivity activity. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 8 Aug. 2026

Weighing an average of 3,150 pounds, the whales have been hunted for subsistence, commerce and sport. — Finnegan Belleau, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2026

The near-death experience forces her to confront her sense of isolation out in the prairie, where life is defined by subsistence. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 3 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Late Latin subsistentia, from subsistent-, subsistens, present participle of subsistere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Phrases Containing subsistence

• subsistence farming
• subsistence level

Rhymes for subsistence

• assistance
• consistence
• desistance
• existence
• insistence
• persistence
• resistance
• coexistence
• nonexistence
• distance
• magnetoresistance

Kids 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

subsistent

-tənt 

adjective