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
Synonyms
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
Individuals exhibiting multiple copies of this gene have been linked to cultures that rely more heavily on starches for subsistence, like farmers, but the origins of this adaptation have been unclear.
—
Ryan McRae, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Dec. 2024
By analyzing these, researchers can determine what types of food ancient people or animals consumed, offering valuable insights into their ecological roles and subsistence practices.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024
Many were abandoning their posts for basic lack of subsistence income.
—Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024
Born into a family of subsistence farmers in the tiny village of Arughat, Nepal, Purnima Shrestha thought that the mountains around her were out of reach.
—Owen Clarke, Outside Online, 3 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for subsistence 
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Ryan McRae, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Dec. 2024
By analyzing these, researchers can determine what types of food ancient people or animals consumed, offering valuable insights into their ecological roles and subsistence practices.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024
Many were abandoning their posts for basic lack of subsistence income.
—Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024
Born into a family of subsistence farmers in the tiny village of Arughat, Nepal, Purnima Shrestha thought that the mountains around her were out of reach.
—Owen Clarke, Outside Online, 3 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for subsistence
Dictionary Entries Near subsistence
Cite this Entry
“Subsistence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subsistence. Accessed 18 Jan. 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
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