What does livelihood mean?
A livelihood is the means by which a person earns a living, especially through a particular occupation, trade, or economic activity. It usually includes the income or resources needed to support oneself and, often, a family, as in the phrase “earn a livelihood.” The word is also used more broadly to describe a community’s dependence on an activity: fishing, farming, tourism, or a local industry may provide the livelihoods of many people. Unlike “living,” which can focus on the income or condition of subsistence, a livelihood often emphasizes the work or occupation that makes that support possible. In discussion of economics and public policy, the term is frequently associated with vulnerable groups whose access to employment is limited.
nounA means of earning money to support oneself and, often, one’s family. By extension, it can refer to a person’s occupation or the source of their economic support.
- A means of earning the money or resources needed to support oneself and others.
- A person’s occupation or source of income, especially in a community where a particular activity provides people with work.
- The continued existence or survival of a person, family, community, or institution, especially in relation to economic support.
"Fishing has long been an important livelihood for the island’s community."
"The decline in fishing has threatened the livelihoods of many local families."
"Her business provides a reliable livelihood for hundreds of workers."
"The museum is a vital source of cultural livelihood for the town."
Used when referring to the separate means of support or occupations of multiple people or groups.
"The conservation project supports the livelihoods of local residents."
A livelihood is more than a job: it is the work that keeps a life going.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does livelihood come from?
The word comes from Old English līflāde, literally “lifeway” or “way of life,” formed from līf (“life”) and lāde (“way, journey”). Its earliest sense referred to a way of living, and by the medieval period it had developed toward the meaning of a means of subsistence. The modern form reflects the influence of Middle English spelling and pronunciation. Related words such as living, lively, and lifelong share the same fundamental life root, although they developed through different grammatical and semantic pathways.
Related word forms
How livelihood is actually used
The word is formal and commonly used in contexts involving employment, rural economies, development, and public policy. “Earn a livelihood” and “make a livelihood” are standard expressions; “livelihood” is usually singular when describing a general source of support, and “livelihoods” is used for multiple people’s means of support.
Easily confused with livelihood
A living refers to the income or support needed to sustain oneself, whereas a livelihood is the occupation or means that provides it.