Get by Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Financial Sufficiency Describes minimal survival without extra money or resources. He earns just enough to get by. Pro Tip 2/3Not Thriving Implies not living comfortably, but rather, meeting just the basic needs. She's getting by, but can't afford any luxuries. Pro Tip 3/3Resourcefulness Suggests using what you have in a smart way to survive. They find ways to get by despite the hardships.