C2nounformalmoneysociety
US/səbˈsɪs.təns/
UK/səbˈsɪs.təns/
the state of having just enough food or money to stay alive
In context
Many families in the mountains still rely on subsistence farming.
Workers on these farms earn barely enough for subsistence.
Before the reforms, millions of people lived at subsistence level.
Words that go with subsistence
noun + noun
- subsistence farmingSubsistence farming leaves families with little to sell.
- subsistence levelTheir income is barely above subsistence level.
- subsistence agricultureSubsistence agriculture still feeds millions of rural people.
- subsistence economyThe island had a subsistence economy based on fishing.
- subsistence wageMany garment workers are paid only a subsistence wage.
- subsistence allowanceVolunteers receive a small subsistence allowance each month.
noun + preposition
- means of subsistenceFishing is the village's main means of subsistence.