foreign aid

American  

noun

1. economic, technical, or military aid given by one nation to another for purposes of relief and rehabilitation, for economic stabilization, or for mutual defense.

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foreign aid British  

noun

1. economic and other assistance given by one country to another

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Other Word Forms

• foreign-aid adjective

Etymology

Origin of foreign aid

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

The continued decline of foreign aid spending and sharp funding cuts to global health "have seriously affected delivery of immunisation services. This will likely reverse hard-earned progress," he added.

From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026

The symbolic significance of an independent agency for foreign aid is powerful too.

From Slate • Apr. 23, 2026

With Gaza's economy nearly paralyzed, education is expected to rely on foreign aid for the foreseeable future.

From Science Daily • Jan. 11, 2026

Last Thursday, dozens of protesters rallied in Aceh's capital, Banda Aceh, waving white flags and demanding that the central government opens the door to foreign aid.

From BBC • Dec. 25, 2025

The refugee camps were run by foreign aid groups, but it was the government that permitted them to operate.

From "A Long Walk to Water" by Linda Sue Park