social work

American  

noun

1. organized work directed toward the betterment of social conditions in the community, as by seeking to improve the condition of people in poverty, to promote the welfare of children, etc.

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social work British  

noun

1. any of various social services designed to alleviate the conditions of the poor and aged and to increase the welfare of children

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Other Word Forms

• social worker noun

Etymology

Origin of social work

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

At Cal State L.A., a one-year social work degree costs about $17,500.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026

“We didn’t have a background in psychology or social work, we just had each other and a mic,” Greenberg recalls.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2026

Another document seen by the BBC revealed Glasgow City Council's social work department knew of allegations against the Daniels in 1999.

From BBC • Jan. 28, 2026

Zoey’s mother, BJ Newton, an associate professor of social work and social policy, described the ban as devastating.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 10, 2025

He used the money that he made to pay bills while my mother was in school getting her social work degree.

From "When I Was the Greatest" by Jason Reynolds