subsist
Eke out existence
To subsist is to maintain existence, especially at a minimal level.
People subsist on meager diets or incomes: They subsisted on rice and beans for months.
The word implies survival rather than thriving—getting by with barely enough.
In more formal contexts, to subsist can simply mean to exist or remain in being: The tradition subsists in rural communities.
Continue despite obstacles
- withstandRemain intact despite pressure
- weatherAtmospheric state outdoors
- resilienceCapacity to recover quickly
- fortitudeEnduring courage under pain
tenacity · grit · hardiness · persistence · steadfastness · stamina · determination · endurance
Consuming resources immediately
- scroungeObtain through begging
- forageSeek food actively
- scavengeGather from waste
- rationFixed allotted amount
struggle · precarious · make-do · eke · fend · manage · cope · impoverished
Deficient in quantity
- scantyInsufficient in amount
- sparseThinly scattered or distributed
- frugalSparing with resources
- austereSeverely simple and unadorned
bare · basic · rudimentary · spartan · ascetic · scant · modest · simple
Supply with sustenance
- sustainKeep something going continuously
- nourishProvide sustenance to
- nutritionBodily use of food
- provisionPreparatory supply or clause
maintain · support · nurture · food · sustenance · diet · calories · nutrients
Regular monetary receipts
- wagesPayment for work
- employmentPaid occupation status
- livingCurrently having breath
- earningsMoney gained from work
occupation · means · support · provision · breadwinning · sustenance · resources · wherewithal
persevere
Continue despite obstacles
- withstandRemain intact despite pressure
- weatherAtmospheric state outdoors
- resilienceCapacity to recover quickly
fortitude · tenacity · grit · hardiness · persistence · steadfastness · stamina · determination · endurance · tolerate
hand-to-mouth
Consuming resources immediately
ration · struggle · precarious · make-do · eke · fend · manage · cope · impoverished · destitute
meager
Deficient in quantity
austere · bare · basic · rudimentary · spartan · ascetic · scant · modest · simple · stark
feed
Supply with sustenance
provision · maintain · support · nurture · food · sustenance · diet · calories · nutrients · intake
income
Regular monetary receipts
- wagesPayment for work
- employmentPaid occupation status
- livingCurrently having breath
earnings · occupation · means · support · provision · breadwinning · sustenance · resources · wherewithal · maintenance
- subsidized apartmentsRentals with financial aid
- subsidized housingIncome-based rental assistance
- government subsidiesState aid to enterprises
- farm subsidiesGovernment payments to growers
- subsistence farmerGrower producing for household consumption
- subsistence farmingGrowing food for household
subsidy, subsistence, subsidize, subsidies, subsidized, subsidizing, subsists, subsisting, subsisted