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

People in these groups are more likely to rely on subsistence fishing from the river for protein—and less likely to be able to afford the expensive reverse-osmosis filtration systems that screen out PFAS. —Patrick Sisson, Scientific American, 9 Mar. 2026

There are characters preserving cultural traditions, grappling with intergenerational trauma, and practicing subsistence hunting and fishing, while also navigating relationship troubles and leaning on the strong support systems that get us through it all. —Lale Arikoglu, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Mar. 2026

From the start, Ouédraogo emphasizes the arduous struggle of daily subsistence—the preparation of food, the fetching of water in fragile vessels, the tilling of fields. —Richard Brody, New Yorker, 6 Mar. 2026

The number of asylum seekers receiving state support in the form of accommodation or subsistence payments was 107,003 — down 5% on the previous year. —Bloomberg, Mercury News, 26 Feb. 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