Agency Dictionary

Livelihood

nounPronunciation: /ˈlaɪv.li.hʊd/

In Portuguese: Sustento

What does “Livelihood” mean?

A means of securing the necessities of life through honest occupation, craft, or employment. It represents the material and vocational foundation supporting human dignity.

Etymology

From Old English liflad, a compound of lif ('life') and lad ('course' or 'way'). In Middle English the second element was reinterpreted under the influence of lively and the suffix -hood, giving the modern spelling. The core sense of 'means of supporting oneself' is attested from the 14th century, alongside the older meaning of 'conduct of life'.

Usage note

In everyday English 'livelihood' is somewhat formal; 'living' or 'income' are more conversational. It often appears in phrases like 'earn a livelihood' or 'threaten someone's livelihood'.

Synonyms

income
subsistence
living
occupation
means

Word family

live
lively
livable

Rhymes with

good
wood
stood
could

Usage examples

He finds joy and purpose in the craft of cultivation and agriculture because it is his livelihood.

Concepts

Source editions

Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.

Issue.6 - Time & Consumer Psychology In CrisisMarch 10, 2023Read the edition

Words of the same theme

Consumernoun: An individual or group that acquires, purchases, or consumes physical or commercial goods and services for personal use. In marketing, consumers are studied for purchasing patterns and brand preferences.
Stigmanoun: A mark of social disgrace, shame, or prejudice associated with a particular circumstance, trait, or behavior.
collective consciousnessnoun: The set of beliefs, ideas and feelings shared by the members of a society, which exists beyond any single person. By extension, what a community knows and repeats in common.
Agoranoun: A public open space in ancient Greek cities used for assemblies, commercial markets, and philosophical dialogue.
Allegiancenoun: Loyalty, commitment, or devoted obligation felt by an individual toward a nation, cause, sovereign, or athletic club. It creates emotional cohesion and enduring solidarity across social communities.
Bailoutnoun: An emergency provision of financial assistance to a failing company, bank, or economy to prevent insolvency.
baronnoun: A member of the aristocracy, or an influential magnate exercising commanding power in a specific industry.
Benefactornoun: A person who supports, protects, or assists another individual through resources, rank, or mentorship.
brokeragenoun: The business, activity, or fee of a licensed broker who facilitates commercial transactions between buyers and sellers.
cinnamonnoun: An aromatic spice obtained from the stripped inner bark of several tree species of the genus Cinnamomum.
Clausenoun: A distinct article or stipulation in a formal treaty, bill, or legal contract addressing a specific condition or obligation.
commoditynoun: A basic primary good, agricultural staple, or raw material that is interchangeable with other goods of the same type.

Also from these editions: terms

Abyssnoun: A deep or seemingly bottomless chasm, either in physical geography or metaphorical psychological depth. It evokes feelings of unfathomable emptiness or existential peril.
Anesthetizingadjective: Producing numbness, insensibility, or temporary relief from pain and critical awareness. In media studies, it describes content that pacifies audiences into mindless consumption.
Combustionnoun: The chemical process of burning, producing heat, light, and mechanical energy. In literary metaphors, it evokes furious velocity, explosive energy, and rapid expenditure of power.
Cultivationnoun: The act of preparing land, tending crops, or nurturing growth with patience and care. Figuratively, it describes the deliberate development of skills, habits, or relationships over time.
Fleetingadjective: Lasting for only a very short time; brief and transient. It characterizes momentary sensory impressions, temporary fashions, and unstable social commitments.
Maleficencenoun: The practice or tendency of doing harm, evil, or mischief to others. In ethics, it represents the violation of moral duty toward human well-being.
Malleableadjective: Easily influenced, pliable, or capable of being reshaped without breaking. In social theory, it describes institutions and human relationships that alter continuously.
Overdosenoun: An excessive, dangerous dose of a medicinal, toxic, or stimulatory substance. In broader contexts, it refers to an overwhelming surfeit of sensory, emotional, or informative stimulation.
Painkillernoun: A medicine or agent that reduces or relieves physical or emotional suffering. Metaphorically, it refers to products that resolve acute client emergencies rather than offering optional conveniences.
Suspicionnoun: A feeling or thought that something is possible, likely, or true, often accompanied by mistrust or caution. It acts as an instinctual defense against perceived deceit.
Inertianoun: The tendency of an object to remain at rest or in uniform motion unless acted upon by an external force, or a state of sluggish inaction in organizations.