existence

UK: /ɪgˈzɪstəns/ US: /ɪgˈzɪstəns/ ,(ig zis′təns)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

ex•ist•ence /ɪgˈzɪstəns/   n. 

1. the state or fact of existing;
   being:
   [uncountable] To prove his own existence, Descartes once said, "I think; therefore I am.''
2. [uncountable] continuance in being or life;
   life:
   It was a constant struggle for existence.
3. [countable* usually singular] mode or way of existing:
   They were working for a better existence.
4. [uncountable] all that exists:
   Existence shows a universal order.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

ex•ist•ence  (ig zis′təns), n. 

1. the state or fact of existing;
   being.
2. continuance in being or life;
   life:
   a struggle for existence.
3. mode of existing:
   They were working for a better existence.
4. all that exists:
   Existence shows a universal order.
5. something that exists;
   entity;
   being.

• Late Latin ex(s)istentia. See exist, -ence
• Middle English 1350–1400

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

existence / ɪɡˈzɪstəns/ noun

1. the fact or state of existing; being
2. the continuance or maintenance of life; living, esp in adverse circumstances
3. something that exists; a being or entity
4. everything that exists, esp that is living