# eke

/ˈik/ (US) · /ˈiːk/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/eke
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

to make a small amount of something last longer by using it very carefully. You often use it for money, food, or time when you do not have much.

For teachers: to prolong a meagre supply through frugal or laborious use, often just reaching subsistence. Typically appears in the construction 'eke out' followed by a phrase denoting livelihood, supply, or existence.

## Examples

- They eke out their savings to pay the rent.
- After losing his job, he ekes out a living by repairing old bicycles.
- During the drought, farming families eked out their grain stores through the winter by rationing every meal with strict care.

## Synonyms

Stretch, conserve, ration, economize

## Antonyms

waste, squander

## Usage notes

- Appears almost exclusively as 'eke out' followed by a direct object, such as 'eke out a living'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.