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Definition of sustenance

sustenance

/ˈsʌs.tə.nəns/
sus · te · nance
Adjective:sustentative
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sustenance Lexical Profile

sustenance Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Food and drink regarded as a source of strength and nourishment necessary to sustain life.

Example

"The stranded hikers relied on wild berries and melted snow for sustenance until the rescue team arrived."

2

The maintenance or support of someone or something, including financial livelihood or emotional and spiritual vitality.

Example

"Coastal communities depend heavily on the fishing industry for their economic sustenance."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for sustenance
Antonyms
View all antonyms for sustenance

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'sustenance' (food and drink needed to stay alive) with 'subsistence' (the state of barely having enough resources to survive).

• Nearby Words

sustainedly
sustainer
sustainment
sustenance
sutera
sutherland
sutherland falls

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Old French 'sustenance', from Late Latin 'sustinentia' (endurance, maintenance), derived from the Latin verb 'sustinere' (to hold up, support), combining 'sub-' (up from below) and 'tenere' (to hold).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Sustenance. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/sustenance
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