1. to continue to exist or survive
2. to maintain life with minimal resources or food

Examples

• Many small businesses struggled to subsist during the economic downturn.
• The ancient ruins subsist as evidence of a lost civilization.
• The family had to subsist on rice and beans for weeks.
• Some traditions subsist even in modern society.
• The refugees subsisted on aid from international organizations.
• Only a few of the original buildings subsist today.
• The artist subsisted on part-time work while pursuing her passion.