Meaning & use
livelihood
Last updated
UK/ˈlaɪvlihʊd/
US/ˈlaɪvlihʊd/
Meaning
nounusually singular
The way someone earns enough money or resources to live, often through a job, trade, or activity.
Grammar: Usually follows an or someone’s; not used as a plural in ordinary speech.
Patterns
- earn a livelihood
- lose one’s livelihood
- depend on something for livelihood
Fishing provides the whole family’s livelihood.
Tourism collapsed, and many drivers lost their livelihood.
Common combinations
- earn a livelihood
- She earns a livelihood repairing bicycles.
- lose one’s livelihood
- The flood caused farmers to lose their livelihood.
- main source of livelihood
- The stall is their main source of livelihood.
- threaten someone’s livelihood
- New fees could threaten a small trader’s livelihood.
Synonyms and how they differ
- occupation
- Names the job or trade; livelihood stresses the income and survival it provides.
- income
- Is the money received; livelihood can include land, tools, or a way of life that supports you.
- sustenance
- Means food or basic support; livelihood is broader and work-centered.
Word family
Commonly confused: livelihood or livelihood?
livelihood vs livelihood
Livelihood means a means of living; liveliness means energy and animation.
Practice
Choose the best completion: “For coastal villages, the sea is often the main ___.”
Choose one answer.
Livelihood means a means of support. Lively and liveliness concern energy, and liver is an organ or a person who lives in a compound.
Make it your own
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