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

Social work school, it was like my first foray out into the real world outside of the ultra-Orthodox community.

From New York Times • Feb. 8, 2023

Social work student Agnes Chigunde says the workouts have become part of her daily routine.

From Reuters • Nov. 30, 2022

Social work is in the midst of its own reform efforts; after a swift outcry to the NASW’s tweet, it has backed away from any gesture of approval.

From Slate • Jul. 1, 2020

Child Migrants Trust – 1800 040 509 Social work services for former child migrants, including counselling and support for family reunions.

From The Guardian • Mar. 12, 2019

When these young women have passed out and enter on active Social work they are allowed their board and lodging and a small salary to pay for their clothing.

From Regeneration by Haggard, Henry Rider