Eke (verb)

1. To make something last longer by using it carefully or by supplementing it with something else.
2. To supplement something with great effort in order to manage.

Origin:

The word eke comes from the old english word eacan, which means to increase or to make something last longer.

Examples:

1. He eked out a living by working multiple jobs.
2. She eked out the last of her money by living frugally.
3. The company eked out a profit by cutting costs.
4. He eked out an existence by hunting and gathering.
5. She eked out her knowledge with additional research.