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livelihood

[lahyv-lee-hood] / ˈlaɪv liˌhʊd /


Usage

What are other ways to say livelihood? Livelihood and the less formal word living, both refer to what one earns to keep (oneself) alive, but are seldom interchangeable within the same phrase: to threaten one's livelihood; to earn one's living. “To make a livelihood out of something” suggests making a business of it: to make a livelihood out of knitting hats. “To make a living” suggests making just enough to keep alive, and is particularly frequent in the negative: You cannot make a living out of that.  Maintenance refers usually to what is spent for the living of another: to provide for the maintenance of someone. Maintenance occasionally refers to the allowance itself provided for livelihood: They are entitled to a maintenance from this estate.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Mr. Liu, former chair of the pro-democracy Association for Democracy and People’s Livelihood, reportedly left the police station later Tuesday.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 2, 2025

Livelihood diversification: Currently, to obtain fishing rights, a person must derive the majority of their livelihood from fishing.

From Salon • Dec. 2, 2022

Dr. Daly was a 1996 recipient of a Right Livelihood Award, sometimes described as an “alternative Nobel,” recognizing his “significant contributions to increase the understanding of the relationship between economy, ecology and ethics.”

From Washington Post • Nov. 4, 2022

In 2022, 175 nominees from 77 countries were considered, the Right Livelihood said.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 29, 2022

Mrs. Clive first speaks of salary, a matter obviously important to her "Liberty and Livelihood."

From The Case of Mrs. Clive by Clive, Catherine




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