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 situation, however, is also playing out in the wake of a dramatic pullback in public health investments from the U.S. government, especially in areas relevant to foreign aid.

From Salon • May 30, 2026

“The Cuban government does not, as a practice, reject foreign aid that is offered in good faith,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

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

“The foreign aid people have been evacuated from Aleppo,” Baba says.

From "Without Refuge" by Jane Mitchell