subsistence

[ suhb-sis-tuhns ]

noun

1. the state or fact of subsisting.
2. the state or fact of existing.
3. the providing of sustenance or support.

   Synonyms: nourishment, maintenance, survival

4. means of supporting life; a living or livelihood.
5. the source from which food and other items necessary to exist are obtained.
6. Philosophy.
   1. existence, especially of an independent entity.
   2. the quality of having timeless or abstract existence.
   3. mode of existence or that by which a substance is individualized.

subsistence

/ səbˈsɪstəns /

noun

1. the means by which one maintains life
2. the act or condition of subsisting
3. a thing that has real existence
4. the state of being inherent
5. philosophy an inferior mode of being ascribed to the references of general terms which do not in fact exist See also nonbeing

Other Words From

• inter·sub·sistence noun
• nonsub·sistence noun
• presub·sistence noun
• self-sub·sistence noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of subsistence¹

1400–50; late Middle English < Late Latin subsistentia; subsist, -ence

Example Sentences

Prof Mendelson reckons such tools that can simplify the process of reporting, especially for subsistence farmers, are helpful.

From BBC

Members of the Karuk and Yurok tribes have continued small-scale subsistence fishing.

From Los Angeles Times

Members of the Karuk and Yurok tribes continue small-scale subsistence fishing.

From Los Angeles Times

Prof Mendelson reckons such tools that can simplify the process of reporting, especially for subsistence farmers, are helpful.

From BBC

An estimated one million subsistence farmers experienced damaged crops and maize supplies in the country are still critically low.

From BBC

Related Words

• livelihood
• ration
• sustenance