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

See Examples For:

social security

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

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 SNP, which has been in government in Scotland since 2007, has also increased spending on social security.

From BBC ● Apr. 11, 2026

In recent years Scotland has struck out on a different path to the rest of the UK when it comes to income tax and social security.

From BBC ● Apr. 11, 2026

We would get our social security numbers and green cards three months after our arrival in the States.

From "The Freedom Writers Diary" by The Freedom Writers