social security

American  

[soh-shuhl si-kyoor-i-tee] / ˈsoʊ ʃəl sɪˈkjʊər 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

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

The slice of the population claiming social security support because of a disability is rising across the UK but the increase is quicker in Scotland where disability benefits are designed to be easier to access.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

Typing my social security number and not finding my name in the database that evening was a weird sort of relief.

From "They Both Die at the End" by Adam Silvera