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

An exemption applies only to animal fur obtained by Indigenous communities through traditional subsistence hunting practices. —Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 3 Dec. 2025

The practice of subsistence hunting continued for decades, little changed. —Ben Taub, New Yorker, 24 Nov. 2025

For Kingsnorth, this ethic has led him to go off the grid, moving to Ireland, converting to Orthodox Christianity, and toiling on a subsistence farm with his wife and homeschooled children. —Tyler Austin Harper, The Atlantic, 11 Nov. 2025

Freezers holding subsistence food supplies were flooded. —Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025

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