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
Freezers holding subsistence food supplies were flooded.
—
Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
Beyond just the basic immediate subsistence, can Gaza survive?
—Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2025
The Biden administration later blocked the project after an analysis found future development would threaten caribou, other wildlife, and Alaska Native groups that rely on subsistence hunting and fishing.
—Madison Dapcevich, Outside, 7 Oct. 2025
Biden's Interior Department in 2024 had cited risks to caribou and fish populations that dozens of native communities rely on for subsistence.
—Reuters, USA Today, 7 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subsistence
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Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
Beyond just the basic immediate subsistence, can Gaza survive?
—Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2025
The Biden administration later blocked the project after an analysis found future development would threaten caribou, other wildlife, and Alaska Native groups that rely on subsistence hunting and fishing.
—Madison Dapcevich, Outside, 7 Oct. 2025
Biden's Interior Department in 2024 had cited risks to caribou and fish populations that dozens of native communities rely on for subsistence.
—Reuters, USA Today, 7 Oct. 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 31 Oct. 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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