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Livelihood Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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livelihood

[ˈlīvlēˌho͝od ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

source of income

Livelihood refers to the means of earning a living or supporting oneself and one's family. It encompasses the activities, professions, or sources of income that sustain an individual or a group.

Synonyms

employment, income, occupation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
livelihood

Refers to the means by which someone earns money to support themselves and their family. It's used broadly and can describe any way of making a living, often emphasizing sustainability and necessity.

  • Farming has been the main source of livelihood for these communities.
  • The economic downturn has threatened the livelihoods of many workers.
occupation

Describes a person's job or profession. It highlights the type of work someone does, often implying specialized training or a career path.

  • Her occupation as a teacher gives her a lot of satisfaction.
  • He wrote his occupation as 'engineer' on the form.
employment

Describes the state of having a paid job. It often relates to formal work arrangements where there is an employer-employee relationship.

  • She is seeking employment after graduating from university.
  • The company provides employment to over 500 people.
income

Refers to the money received, especially on a regular basis, for work or through investments. It's used in contexts talking about financial aspects.

  • His primary source of income is his salary from work.
  • They live on a fixed income after retirement.

Examples of usage

  • Farmers rely on agriculture as their livelihood.
  • She works multiple jobs to ensure a stable livelihood for her family.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Economics

  • Different societies have varying forms of livelihood, including agriculture, trade, and technology.
  • In developing countries, many people rely on subsistence farming to support their families.
  • The concept of 'livelihood security' refers to having stable access to essential resources for a sustainable life.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Indigenous communities often have unique livelihoods connected to their land and cultural practices.
  • Urbanization significantly alters traditional livelihoods, as people moving to cities seek jobs in various industries.
  • In many cultures, the means of livelihood reflects societal values, such as craftsmanship in local artisans.

Psychology

  • People's sense of identity and self-worth is often tied to their livelihood or chosen occupation.
  • Job loss can lead to stress and anxiety, significantly impacting mental health due to the perceived threat to one's livelihood.
  • Research shows that satisfaction with one's livelihood can enhance overall happiness and life satisfaction.

Historical Context

  • During the Industrial Revolution, many shifted from agricultural livelihoods to factory work, dramatically changing economic structures.
  • Historically, crafts and trade formed the backbone of many towns, with guilds providing support and security for workers.
  • The Great Depression caused widespread unemployment, highlighting the fragility of some livelihoods and leading to social reforms.

Origin of 'livelihood'

Main points about word origin

  • 'Livelihood' comes from the Middle English word 'lyfhode', meaning 'means of living'.
  • It combines 'live' with the suffix '-hood', indicating a state or condition related to living.
  • The term has roots in Old English, showcasing how long people have been concerned about their means of survival.

The word 'livelihood' originated from the Old English word 'līflād,' which meant 'course of life' or 'means of living.' Over time, it evolved to refer specifically to the means by which one earns a living. The concept of livelihood has been central to human societies throughout history, reflecting the importance of sustenance and survival.

See also: enliven, live, liveliness, lively, liver, livestock, livestream, living, nonliving.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,733 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.