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
The new study, published in Nature, analyzes the risks these toxins pose to animals like clams, fish, and even whales, which some Alaska Native communities harvest for subsistence purposes.
—
Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 24 July 2025
For centuries, the area’s Indigenous Yup’ik residents lived a nomadic subsistence lifestyle, timing their seasonal movements with the arrival of migratory birds in spring, fish in summer and the ripening of berries in early fall.
—Emily Schwing, ProPublica, 29 May 2025
Born in 1941, Fuller grew up on a subsistence cotton farm near Beebe, Arkansas.
—Longreads, 8 July 2025
If that determination is made, the U.S. Marshal must arrange for the transportation or furnish the cost, along with providing subsistence expenses incurred in traveling to court.
—Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for subsistence
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.
Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 24 July 2025
For centuries, the area’s Indigenous Yup’ik residents lived a nomadic subsistence lifestyle, timing their seasonal movements with the arrival of migratory birds in spring, fish in summer and the ripening of berries in early fall.
—Emily Schwing, ProPublica, 29 May 2025
Born in 1941, Fuller grew up on a subsistence cotton farm near Beebe, Arkansas.
—Longreads, 8 July 2025
If that determination is made, the U.S. Marshal must arrange for the transportation or furnish the cost, along with providing subsistence expenses incurred in traveling to court.
—Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 8 July 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 3 Aug. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share