means of livelihood

USAGE SUMMARY

"means of livelihood" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to someone's source of income or source of support, such as a job. For example, a sentence using the term could be: She applied for a new job, as her current means of livelihood was unreliable.

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Boatbuilding, fishing, and marble quarrying are other means of livelihood.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was an informal currency, a means of livelihood, and an enlivener of a harsh existence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Agriculture and fishing are the principal means of livelihood of the people of the coastal lowlands.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Farming, viticulture, and fishing are the main means of livelihood; as a port, it has been superseded by Somovit.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The rebels did not have a programme of tree planting, their only means of livelihood was felling trees," he says.

The Guardian

Was I going to be the reason that some poor migrant worker lost his or her only means of livelihood?

The New York Times

IN EASTPORT, a little coastal town on the easternmost point of the United States, different means of livelihood have come and gone.

The Economist

For six months Kleist had edited the daily newspaper Berliner Abendblätter, and, when it ceased publication, he lost his means of livelihood.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The hunting-fishing population of the west coast was also gradually replaced by farmers, though hunting and fishing remained useful secondary means of livelihood.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He says that men tipped for display, now they tip from a sense of duty, since the realize that the tips constitute the tippers' means of livelihood.

The New Yorker

An ethnic group's culture is derived from its unique living environment as well as the means of livelihood dictated by that environment.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "means of livelihood" to refer to the various methods by which people secure the necessities of life, especially when discussing economic stability or disruption.

Common error

Avoid using "means of livelihood" solely to describe formal employment. It includes informal activities, subsistence farming, and other non-traditional income sources.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "means of livelihood" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies the methods, resources, or activities that provide individuals or communities with the necessities for survival and economic stability. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

29%

News & Media

27%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

13%

Wiki

6%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "means of livelihood" effectively describes how people support themselves economically, encompassing a broad range of activities from formal employment to subsistence farming. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and wide usage across diverse fields like science, news, and encyclopedias make it a versatile term. When writing, remember that "means of livelihood" includes more than just jobs and consider its use in discussions about economic stability, social welfare, and sustainable development.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

source of income

Focuses specifically on monetary gain as the method of support.

way of earning a living

Emphasizes the activity or method used to generate income.

source of sustenance

Highlights the provision of basic needs such as food and shelter.

economic activity

Refers to the broader economic involvement providing support.

employment avenue

Highlights job opportunities and career paths.

job opportunity

Suggests specific roles or positions that provide income.

revenue stream

Focuses on the flow of income from a particular source.

financial support

Implies a broader range of assistance, not just employment.

income generation

Highlights the process of creating income.

economic resource

Broader term encompassing all resources contributing to economic well-being.

FAQs

How to use "means of livelihood" in a sentence?

You can use "means of livelihood" to describe how people support themselves, such as, "Agriculture is the primary means of livelihood for many rural communities."

What can I say instead of "means of livelihood"?

You can use alternatives like "source of income", "way of earning a living", or "source of sustenance" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "means of livelihood" or "mean of livelihood"?

"Means of livelihood" is correct. "Means" is plural in this context and refers to the various methods by which someone supports themselves.

What's the difference between "means of livelihood" and "job opportunity"?

"Means of livelihood" is broader, encompassing any method of support, while "job opportunity" refers specifically to a formal or informal employment position.