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subsistence

noun

/səbˈsɪstəns/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of subsistence

The basic necessities of life required for survival, such as food, water, shelter, and clothing.
"The villagers relied on fishing and farming for their subsistence."

Detailed meaning of subsistence

Subsistence can also refer to the means by which individuals or communities obtain these necessities, such as through hunting, fishing, farming, or other forms of subsistence production. In a broader sense, subsistence can also refer to the minimum level of resources necessary to maintain a basic standard of living, including access to education, healthcare, and other essential services. The concept of subsistence is often associated with rural or indigenous communities that rely on traditional subsistence practices to meet their basic needs. However, subsistence is also relevant in modern society, where it is used to describe the minimum level of resources necessary to support low-income or vulnerable populations. Overall, the term "subsistence" conveys a sense of the fundamental needs that underpin human existence, and raises important questions about access to resources, sustainability, and social justice.

Example sentences containing subsistence

1. In harsh climates, survival often comes down to subsistence hunting and gathering.
2. The tribe practiced sustainable agriculture to ensure their subsistence.
3. The refugee camp provided basic subsistence needs like food and shelter.
4. Many families in the region struggled to achieve even a minimal level of subsistence.
5. The documentary highlighted the challenges of subsistence living in remote areas.
6. Indigenous cultures have developed intricate knowledge of subsistence techniques.

History and etymology of subsistence

The noun 'subsistence' traces its etymological origins to the Latin word 'subsistentia,' which is derived from 'subsistere,' meaning 'to stand still' or 'to exist.' 'Subsistence' refers to the basic necessities of life required for survival, such as food, water, shelter, and clothing. It embodies the fundamental elements that sustain human existence and well-being. Throughout history, 'subsistence' has been a central concept in discussions of human survival and livelihood, particularly in the context of agriculture, hunting and gathering, and economic systems. It underscores the essential elements that individuals and communities must secure to maintain their basic standard of living and emphasizes the critical role of resource access and availability in human societies.

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Further usage examples of subsistence

1. The nomadic lifestyle was centered around finding sources of subsistence on the move.
2. The subsistence economy of the past relied heavily on barter and trade.
3. The organization's mission is to provide education and resources for sustainable subsistence.
4. Modern agriculture has transformed subsistence farming into large-scale production.
5. Lack of access to clean water can severely impact subsistence communities.
6. The subsistence wage offered by the factory barely covered basic expenses.
7. Research is focused on improving subsistence farming methods for better yields.
8. His writing shed light on the historical transition from subsistence to industrial economies.
9. Economic policies often fail to address the needs of subsistence farmers.
10. Urbanization has led to the decline of subsistence practices in some regions.
11. The documentary crew lived with the tribe to document their traditional subsistence ways.
12. The organization's goal is to break the cycle of poverty and help communities achieve sustainable subsistence.
13. Access to clean water is essential for human subsistence.
14. They lived off the land, relying on subsistence farming.
15. In impoverished regions, many struggle to secure subsistence.
16. The village depended on fishing for its subsistence.
17. Droughts can devastate crops and threaten subsistence.
18. Indigenous cultures often have deep knowledge of subsistence.
19. The refugee camp provided minimal subsistence to its occupants.
20. Sustainable agriculture is vital for long-term subsistence.
21. War and conflict can disrupt the flow of subsistence.
22. The nomadic tribe moved in search of subsistence.
23. Economic inequality can deny some access to subsistence.
24. NGOs work to improve access to subsistence in impoverished areas.