Subsisted: meaning, definitions and examples

survival, existence

Subsisted refers to the act of continuing to live or exist, especially in a state that is barely adequate. It often implies that the sustenance is minimal and requires great effort to maintain. Subsisting can also relate to surviving in adverse conditions, where resources are scarce. This term is commonly used to describe individuals or groups that manage to sustain themselves on limited means.

endured, persisted, survived

Examples of usage

• They subsisted on what little food they could gather.

• Many ancient tribes subsisted by hunting and gathering.

• He had to subsist on a meager salary for years.