livelihood

USAGE SUMMARY

"livelihood" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to a person's means of making a living, or the conditions of their life. For example, "The village's economy relies on small-scale fishing as its main source of livelihood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The think-tank was organised into groups examining five key areas: temperature and extreme weather events, infectious disease, food and water supplies, livelihood and disadvantage, and security, social instability and conflict.

The Guardian

In his 1992 book The Way, he sought to expand Fritz Schumacher's notion of "Buddhist economics" based on "right livelihood" and "the middle way".

The Guardian

Traders who might be tempted to exploit their clients for a quick buck should be in no doubt, such behaviour will cost you your reputation and your livelihood".

The Guardian - Business

Every human being should have access to an adequate income for their livelihood, so we ask for work or, alternatively, universal basic income guarantee.

The Guardian - Opinion

Although the price of commodities is rising, threatening their livelihood, Ramish's entry to school has provided a previously unthinkable security for Kalamma and her family.

The Guardian

The organisation runs a year long programme that provides women with the business training and financial support they need to maintain their own economic livelihood and practise their rights.

The Guardian

For these returning members, Tiens is not just a medical supplier, but a livelihood, an investment, and a chance to follow in Wasswa's jet-setting footsteps.

The Guardian

"It's his livelihood, so he has to".

The Guardian

In a powerful briefing paper from 2012, Oxfam called on Israel to "immediately halt the construction of all illegal settlements" and end "policies and practices that are illegal under international law and harm the livelihood of Palestinian civilians".

The Guardian - Opinion

After years of delay, in February of this year the Upper House of the Indian Parliament finally passed the Street Vendors Bill, aimed at providing social security and protecting the livelihood of street vendors across the country.

The Guardian

The extortion takes a major toll on their livelihood.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing economic development or social policies, use "livelihood" to emphasize the importance of sustainable income and well-being for communities.

Common error

Avoid using "livelihood" when you actually mean "lifestyle". "Livelihood" refers to how someone earns a living, while "lifestyle" refers to their way of living, which encompasses more than just income.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "livelihood" is as a noun. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to a person's means of supporting themselves. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

18%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "livelihood" is a noun that refers to the means by which someone supports themselves. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usability. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, indicating its relevance in discussions of economic and social welfare. While alternative phrases like "means of subsistence" and "source of income" exist, "livelihood" emphasizes the broader context of sustainable economic activity. When using the term, ensure that it accurately reflects the economic activities and resources that support individuals and communities, and avoid confusing it with "lifestyle."

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

means of subsistence

Focuses on the resources used to survive.

source of income

Highlights the financial aspect of supporting oneself.

way of living

Emphasizes lifestyle and daily routines.

economic support

Refers to the financial resources necessary to sustain oneself.

financial security

Highlights the stability and safety of one's finances.

bread and butter

An idiomatic expression referring to one's main source of income.

job

A general term referring to employment for income.

career

A long-term professional pursuit that provides income.

vocation

A calling or occupation that provides income.

daily grind

Focuses on the daily work required to earn a living.

FAQs

How to use "livelihood" in a sentence?

"Livelihood" typically refers to the means by which someone supports themselves. For example, "Farming is the primary livelihood in this region."

What can I say instead of "livelihood"?

You can use alternatives like "means of subsistence", "source of income", or "way of living" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "livelihood" or "lifestyle"?

"Livelihood" refers to the way someone earns a living, while "lifestyle" refers to their overall way of living. They are not interchangeable.

What's the difference between "livelihood" and "sustenance"?

"Sustenance" refers to the basic necessities needed to survive, such as food and water, whereas "livelihood" encompasses the broader means by which someone obtains those necessities and supports themselves economically.