/ səbˈsɪstəns; NAmE / 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 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
He worked a 16-hour day for a subsistence wage (= enough money to buy only basic items) .