earning a livelihood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "earning a livelihood" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when describing how someone earns the money they need to live. For example, "The family worked hard to earn a livelihood from their small farm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

"We know that drivers aren't earning a livelihood if they can't drive.

The Guardian - Business

The fish that is not polluted is killed by the oil and toxins, making earning a livelihood impossible for many who depended on the sale of fish.

The New York Times

"With the help of St Joseph's Centre in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, we encourage people to rebuild their lives by earning a livelihood.

The Guardian

In 1995, with a grant from the National Marine Fisheries Service, Mr. Scheffer, who is now 55, and four other fishermen became oyster farmers, earning a livelihood and a growing reputation among shellfish lovers.

The New York Times - Food

But that was the problem: having grown accustomed to higher salaries, many of the remaining young people refused to return to the hard life of earning a livelihood from the sea, and left the island in search of salaried work elsewhere.

The New York Times

For example, a World Vision-sponsored ceremony involving 10-year-old girls in the northern district of Naivasha included the public endorsement of a local politician, as well as pledges from former cutters that they would abandon the practice in return for the gift of some goats that would provide them with alternative means of earning a livelihood.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

"These children need to return to school, to learn vocational skills, and to earn their livelihoods.

Unicef

It was also reported that many students were forced to leave their studies due to lack of funds or to earn a livelihood because they had lost income-earning members of their families.

Wikipedia

For periods, she earned a livelihood as a cabdriver.

The Washington Post

Over time, disability made it hard for families to earn a livelihood.

The New York Times

Many erotic dancers say that being a nude "object of the male gaze" to earn a livelihood is not degrading.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing economic development or social programs, use "earning a livelihood" to emphasize the goal of sustainable income generation rather than mere survival. This phrase suggests a more stable and dignified existence.

Common error

Avoid using "earning a livelihood" when you actually mean establishing a particular lifestyle. "Livelihood" refers to the means of survival, whereas "lifestyle" encompasses broader choices and preferences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "earning a livelihood" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. As Ludwig points out, it describes the process of acquiring the means necessary to sustain life. It's frequently used to discuss economic activities and opportunities.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "earning a livelihood" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that refers to the process of securing the necessities for life through work or other means. As Ludwig confirms, its primary function is to describe economic activities related to sustenance, often appearing in news, business, and formal contexts. While alternatives like "making a living" exist, "earning a livelihood" offers a slightly more formal tone suitable for discussions about economic development, social programs, and financial stability. Remember that "livelihood" focuses on basic survival, and is not about “lifestyle”.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

making a living

Focuses on the act of surviving financially, slightly less formal.

supporting oneself

Highlights self-sufficiency and independence in financial matters.

gaining financial independence

Emphasizes the attainment of independence through financial means.

providing for one's family

Specifically refers to supporting a family through one's earnings.

securing financial stability

Focuses on achieving a stable and secure financial state.

obtaining sustenance

A more formal way of describing the act of obtaining basic necessities.

acquiring the means of support

Emphasizes the acquisition of resources necessary for survival.

earning one's keep

An idiomatic expression implying that one is providing sufficient value to justify their existence or inclusion in a group.

making ends meet

Refers to the act of balancing income and expenses, often in a challenging financial situation.

eeking out an existence

Suggests a struggle for survival, obtaining just enough to live.

FAQs

What does "earning a livelihood" mean?

Earning a livelihood means securing the necessities for life, such as food, shelter, and clothing, typically through work or employment. It implies a sustainable way of supporting oneself or one's family.

How can I use "earning a livelihood" in a sentence?

You can use "earning a livelihood" to describe how someone makes money to support themselves. For example, "Many people in the village depend on farming for "earning a livelihood"."

What are some alternatives to "earning a livelihood"?

Alternatives include "making a living", "supporting oneself", or "gaining financial independence". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "earning a livelihood" a formal or informal phrase?

"Earning a livelihood" is considered a relatively formal phrase, suitable for professional, academic, or news contexts. More informal options like "making ends meet" might be better for casual conversation.