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
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
Born in 1941, Fuller grew up on a subsistence cotton farm near Beebe, Arkansas.
—
Longreads, 8 July 2025
If that determination is made, the U.S. Marshal must arrange for the transportation or furnish the cost, along with providing subsistence expenses incurred in traveling to court.
—Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 8 July 2025
One of these contradictions was the necessity of keeping large numbers of horses for the trade economy while also demanding large numbers of bison for the subsistence economy.
—Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 6 July 2025
Altman changes his protagonist to a subsistence farmer who watches people have ever more frivolous jobs – less physical work, less concrete roles, more creative noodling and more flexibility.
—John Werner, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for subsistence
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Longreads, 8 July 2025
If that determination is made, the U.S. Marshal must arrange for the transportation or furnish the cost, along with providing subsistence expenses incurred in traveling to court.
—Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 8 July 2025
One of these contradictions was the necessity of keeping large numbers of horses for the trade economy while also demanding large numbers of bison for the subsistence economy.
—Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 6 July 2025
Altman changes his protagonist to a subsistence farmer who watches people have ever more frivolous jobs – less physical work, less concrete roles, more creative noodling and more flexibility.
—John Werner, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for subsistence
Cite this Entry
“Subsistence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subsistence. Accessed 19 Jul. 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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