social security

American  

[soh-shuhl si-kyoor-i-tee] / ˈsoʊ ʃəl sɪˈkyʊər ɪ ti /

noun

1. Usually Social Security a program of old-age, unemployment, health, disability, and survivors insurance maintained by the U.S. federal government through compulsory payments by specific employer and employee groups.

2. the theory or practice of providing economic security and social welfare for the individual through government programs maintained by funds from public taxation.

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social security British  

noun

1. public provision for the economic, and sometimes social, welfare of the aged, unemployed, etc, esp through pensions and other monetary assistance

2. (often capitals) a government programme designed to provide such assistance

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Etymology

Origin of social security

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

Both rich and poorer countries are grappling with declining birth rates which lead to aging societies and a shrinking workforce -- putting strain on social security systems and potentially dampening economic growth and productivity.

From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026

The social security budget this year was £7.4bn and is forecast to hit £9.2bn by 2030-31.

From BBC • May 21, 2026

Beijing’s Five-Year Plan emphasizes public well-being and social security, signaling a shift towards structural reforms.

From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026

The social security budget in particular is swelling - it was £7.4bn this year and is forecast to hit £9.2bn by 2030-31.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

No one could prove he was lying since he’d been born on the home-house floor and didn’t have a birth certificate or social security card.

From "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot