For centuries, their descendants led a harsh and precarious existence, relying heavily on the sea to provide food.

His had been a harsh existence, filled with hard decisions.

Well did she know how it was to live a harsh existence with few luxuries.

"It must have been a very harsh existence," Cilia said, with sympathy.

Associates said she twice broke off engagements to men who would not share her harsh existence.

To that extent it is a harsh existence, quite unlike that of the artists, musicians and writers with whom he normally mixes.

An unspecified war or series of wars has dragged the world back into a harsh, preindustrial existence.

It is a harsh existence, and one that has sometimes drawn a public spotlight.

The people lived a harsh existence exposed to the elements and pirates.