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
Experts estimate that Cuba's current oil demand is slightly over 100,000 barrels per day; if a quarter to a third of that depends on Venezuela, a major interruption could push the country toward a subsistence zone, especially because Cuba cannot readily replace that volume through cash purchases.
—
Ricardo Torres, Time, 8 Jan. 2026
But some tribes in the Pacific Northwest have been discussing using firearms to harvest sea lions and other pinnipeds for subsistence, as Alaskan Natives do, Cecilia Gobin, a conservation-policy analyst at the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission, told me.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 7 Jan. 2026
That project would require relocating villages home to indigenous groups that rely on farming for subsistence – and has sparked local opposition and concern, according to people familiar with the situation.
—Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 17 Dec. 2025
These waters exhibit higher acidity and elevated levels of toxic metals, which can contaminate fish habitat and drinking water and impact subsistence livelihoods.
—Matthew L. Druckenmiller, The Conversation, 16 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subsistence
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Cite this Entry
“Subsistence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subsistence. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.
Kids 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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