Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

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.

In Paris he found a livelihood and literary standing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

Emma Hodge from the East Antrim hounds said she is very concerned at the proposed legislation and the impact it will have on her pack and her livelihood.

From BBC • May 26, 2026

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney pledged Friday to work with Alberta to improve the livelihood of its residents after Smith unveiled her plans.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

Failure to do so would "open the door for crippling liability and undermine the interest of farmers who depend on federally registered pesticides for their livelihood," he said.

From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026

Much later, Jelliman risked his own life and livelihood in a courageous attempt to help me.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela




Vocabulary lists containing livelihood


Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "livelihood" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com