What is another word for eking out an existence?
Pronunciation: [ˈiːkɪŋ ˈa͡ʊt ɐn ɛɡzˈɪstəns] (IPA) 
The phrase "eking out an existence" means to struggle to make a living, often in difficult or adverse conditions. There are several synonyms for this phrase, including "scrabbling for survival," "struggling to survive," "scraping by," "making ends meet," and "living from hand to mouth." These phrases all communicate the idea of experiencing financial hardship and enduring difficult circumstances in order to survive. People who are eking out an existence may be living in poverty, facing unemployment or underemployment, or dealing with other challenging situations. Despite the difficulties they face, they may be incredibly resilient and resourceful, finding ways to make ends meet and persevere in the face of adversity.
