English Dictionary

Definition of “subsistence

subsistence (səbˈsɪstənsPronunciation for subsistence

Definitions

noun

  1. the means by which one maintains life
  2. the act or condition of subsisting
  3. a thing that has real existence
  4. the state of being inherent
  5. philosophy an inferior mode of being ascribed to the references of general terms which do not in fact exist See also nonbeing

Usage examples

  • A few wrest subsistence of a kind from the thin topsoil, helped by a handful of wandering sheep.
    Hilton, John Buxton, Passion in the Peak (1985)
  • "So we are speaking really of a subsistence economy, I asked.
    India Today (1998)
  • His parents were illiterate subsistence farmers in the Kashmir part of the Himalayas.
    New Zealand Herald (2004)
  • The survey claims that those most likely to give to charity include people in `twilight subsistence " whose only income is state benefits.
    Times, Sunday Times (2004)
  • Australia, while subsistence pastoralism occurs in many parts of the Third World.
    Jilbert, John, Geography Basic Facts (1983)

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