livelihood

noun

live·​li·​hood ˈlīv-lē-ˌhu̇d 

1

: means of support or subsistence (see subsistence sense 2)

The villagers' main livelihood is fishing.

2

obsolete : the quality or state of being lively

Examples of livelihood in a Sentence

Many fishermen believe that the new regulations threaten their livelihoods.

Recent Examples on the Web

Members of the blue-collar industry are in a fight to survive the social, political and economic shifts throwing their livelihoods into a state of disruption. —Alex Harring, CNBC, 30 Nov. 2025

The administration’s new plan would risk the health and livelihoods of coastal citizens, Earthjustice attorney Brettny Hardy said, and would devastate marine ecosystems. —Kylie Williams, Miami Herald, 29 Nov. 2025

Brian Moreno, a worker at Swank Farms, said their business largely depends on customers every Saturday for their livelihood. —Kyle Martin, Mercury News, 29 Nov. 2025

Future dams must increasingly balance energy security and climate goals against ecological preservation and community rights, incorporating adaptive management strategies that minimize environmental damage while respecting the livelihoods and cultural practices of affected populations. —Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 28 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

alteration of Middle English livelode course of life, from Old English līflād, from līf + lād course — more at lode

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for livelihood

• misunderstood
• unlikelihood
• adulthood
• babyhood
• brotherhood
• cottonwood
• fatherhood
• firewood
• fuelwood
• hardihood
• ironwood
• leatherwood

Kids Definition

livelihood

noun

live·​li·​hood ˈlīv-lē-ˌhu̇d 

: living entry 2 sense 3