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
These are baskets, textiles, ceramics and other handcrafted items made by artisans who depend on fair trade partnerships for their livelihoods.
—
Serena Sato, Baltimore Sun, 31 Mar. 2026
As a research dean, my major worry is about the livelihoods of these scientists, especially because most of them have young families to provide for.
—Nara Parameswaran, The Conversation, 30 Mar. 2026
Domestic migration into the Sun Belt states is declining, due in part to off-the-chart heat waves, devastating storms, once-in-a-century floods, and year-round fire seasons — along with the consequential costs, such as unaffordable homeowners’ insurance and destroyed livelihoods.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 28 Mar. 2026
Johnny Jones, secretary-treasurer of the TSA division of the American Federation of Government Employees, said union members resent having their livelihoods used as tools and talking points in a game of political brinkmanship.
—ABC News, 28 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for livelihood
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Serena Sato, Baltimore Sun, 31 Mar. 2026
As a research dean, my major worry is about the livelihoods of these scientists, especially because most of them have young families to provide for.
—Nara Parameswaran, The Conversation, 30 Mar. 2026
Domestic migration into the Sun Belt states is declining, due in part to off-the-chart heat waves, devastating storms, once-in-a-century floods, and year-round fire seasons — along with the consequential costs, such as unaffordable homeowners’ insurance and destroyed livelihoods.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 28 Mar. 2026
Johnny Jones, secretary-treasurer of the TSA division of the American Federation of Government Employees, said union members resent having their livelihoods used as tools and talking points in a game of political brinkmanship.
—ABC News, 28 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for livelihood
Cite this Entry
“Livelihood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/livelihood. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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livelihood
noun
live·li·hood
ˈlīv-lē-ˌhu̇d
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