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

Cal State L.A. will receive $48 million to add more students to its master of social work programs and provide more than 1,000 scholarships and grants for prospective students.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026

At Cal State L.A., a one-year social work degree costs about $17,500.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026

And Scottish Labour MSP Paul Sweeney called for better social work and mental health service signposting for the terminally ill.

From BBC • Mar. 17, 2026

Zoey’s mother, BJ Newton, an associate professor of social work and social policy, described the ban as devastating.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 10, 2025

None of that would have been so daunting if the worst thing in the world was not about to happen: Ms. Sandnes was leaving to get her master’s degree in social work!

From "Three Little Words: A Memoir" by Ashley Rhodes-Courter