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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.

In Paris he found a livelihood and literary standing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

Many of Calingasta's 11,000 residents depend directly or indirectly on mining for a livelihood.

From Barron's • May 23, 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

The nominees for the Rock and Rock Hall of Fame are chosen by a group of around 40 industry professionals, described as inductees, academics and journalists whose passion, expertise, and livelihood is all about music.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

He had given up, and now the livelihood that they had built up was gone too.

From "The Boy Who Met a Whale" by Nizrana Farook




Vocabulary lists containing livelihood


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