subsistence

noun

sub·​sis·​tence səb-ˈsi-stən(t)s How to pronounce subsistence (audio)
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 adjective

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That includes modern breadbaskets that now enjoy some of the world’s best growing conditions such as the US, and subsistence farming communities that rely on small harvests of cassava. Doyle Rice, USA Today, 21 June 2025 Harvests failed and water reserves dried up in a country where 70% of people rely on subsistence agriculture. Lungelo Ndhlovu, Christian Science Monitor, 6 June 2025 Eventually, an industrialized country’s workers shift from subsistence agriculture toward higher-productivity sectors such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, green technologies, and digital services. Zainab Usman, Foreign Affairs, 5 May 2025 Small businesses and subsistence agriculture make up much of the economy. Patricia Cohen, New York Times, 4 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for subsistence

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)

Time Traveler
The first known use of subsistence was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Subsistence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subsistence. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

subsistence

noun
sub·​sis·​tence səb-ˈsis-tən(t)s How to pronounce subsistence (audio)
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 adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on subsistence

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