subsistence

Universal Words noun [U] the state of having just enough money or food to stay alive: Many families are living below the level of subsistence. * to live at / above / below (the) subsistence level * They had no visible means of subsistence. * subsistence agriculture / farming (= growing enough only to live on, not to sell) * subsistence crops * Our ancestors lived in basic subsistence economies where cash never changed hands. * He worked a 16-hour day for a subsistence wage (= enough money to buy only basic necessities).