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

subsistent

səb-ˈsi-stənt 

adjective

Synonyms

• actuality
• corporality
• corporeality
• existence
• reality
• thingness

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

This is defined as essential medicines, medical services, food, shelter, and other subsistence support, along with reasonable administrative costs to deliver the assistance. —Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 29 Jan. 2025

This community of dirt roads and subsistence cornfields was connected to the electricity grid when Mr. García was barely a teenager, around 2014. —Whitney Eulich, The Christian Science Monitor, 27 Jan. 2025

These are yet another example of Appalachian ingenuity during a time of subsistence. —Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 14 Dec. 2024

The retirement community not having any prominent residents who use a wheelchair, scooter, walker, or even cane is the elder comedy equivalent of the Friends being able to afford palatial Manhattan apartments while working subsistence jobs in their mid-twenties. —Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 15 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Late Latin subsistentia, from subsistent-, subsistens, present participle of subsistere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Phrases Containing subsistence

• subsistence farming
• subsistence level

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

subsistent

-tənt 

adjective