B2nounmoneywork
US/ˈlɪv.ɪŋ/
UK/ˈlɪv.ɪŋ/
the money you earn from work to pay for the things you need; also a way of life
In context
My uncle makes a living by repairing old motorbikes in Hue.
The cost of living in big cities keeps going up every year.
Many families on the coast earn a living from fishing and tourism.
Words that go with living
verb + noun
- make a livingearn enough money to pay for your needsHe makes a living by driving for a ride-hailing app.Not
do a living - earn a livingget money from work to pay for the things you needShe earns a living as a freelance translator.
- scrape a livingearn only just enough money to live onMany street musicians barely scrape a living.
noun + preposition
- cost of livinghow much money people need for basic thingsThe cost of living in big cities keeps rising.
- standard of livingthe level of comfort and wealth people haveThe standard of living has improved a lot in this region.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
What is your living?Correct: What do you do for a living?