What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
subsistence
Example
The family lived off the land, growing their own crops and raising livestock for subsistence. [subsistence: noun]
Example
In some parts of the world, people still practice subsistence farming to provide for their basic needs. [subsistence: adjective]
sustenance
Example
The hiker packed enough sustenance for a week-long trek in the wilderness. [sustenance: noun]
Example
The local economy relied heavily on tourism as a source of sustenance. [sustenance: metaphorical use]
Example
Reading poetry was a source of sustenance for her during difficult times. [sustenance: metaphorical use]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sustenance is more commonly used than subsistence in everyday language. Sustenance is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while subsistence is less common and typically used in the context of poverty or survival.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between subsistence and sustenance?
Both subsistence and sustenance are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
