welfare

American  

[wel-fair] / ˈwɛlˌfɛər /

noun

1. the good fortune, health, happiness, prosperity, etc., of a person, group, or organization; well-being.

   to look after a child's welfare; the physical or moral welfare of society.

2. welfare work.

3. financial or other assistance to an individual or family from a city, state, or national government.

   Thousands of jobless people in this city would starve if it weren't for welfare.

4. (initial capital letter) a governmental agency that provides funds and aid to people in need, especially those unable to work.

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idioms

1. on welfare, receiving financial aid from the government or from a private organization because of hardship and need.

welfare British  

/ ˈwɛlˌfɛə /

noun

1. health, happiness, prosperity, and well-being in general

2. 1. financial and other assistance given to people in need

   2. ( as modifier )

      welfare services

3. Also called: welfare work.  plans or work to better the social or economic conditions of various underprivileged groups

4. informal the public agencies involved with giving such assistance

5. in receipt of financial aid from a government agency or other source

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welfare Cultural  

1. Government-provided support for those unable to support themselves. In the United States, it is undertaken by various federal, state, and local agencies under the auspices of different programs, the best known of which are Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) and food stamps.

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Other Word Forms

• antiwelfare adjective

Etymology

Origin of welfare

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English, from phrase wel fare; equivalent to well ¹ + fare

Example Sentences

Chorpita said the grant will be split into three parts: the psychology department, which will oversee the new minor; the school of social welfare; and child-focused fellowships in the psychiatry and behavioral sciences department.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026

But how Mr. Farage thinks this could translate into a political coalition in favor of broad welfare reforms is a mystery.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

He claimed Thursday that his party will soon unveil a raft of welfare reforms to cut spending on other programs to free up resources for the old-age payout.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

The Scottish government has some tax and welfare powers that it can use to help ease the burden but the UK government has far greater financial clout.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

State governments have been forced to shift funds from public services, education, health, and welfare to pay for incarceration, and they now face unprecedented economic crises as a result.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson

Related Words

• benefit
• health
• interest
• progress
• prosperity
• weal
• well-being