Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

subsistence

noun

/səbˈsɪstəns/

Definition

The state of having just enough food or money to stay alive.

Examples

Many farmers engage in subsistence agriculture to provide food for their families.
In areas with limited economic opportunities, subsistence living becomes a common way of life.

Meaning

Subsistence refers to the minimum means necessary to support life. It is often associated with basic living conditions, where individuals or communities produce or acquire just enough resources to meet their essential needs.