social security

American  

[soh-shuhl si-kyoor-i-tee] / ˈsoʊ ʃəl sɪˈkyʊər 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

The overall social security bill is forecast to rise to £9.2bn by then.

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026

It will also favor workers overall, they argue—the country’s rigid labor laws have forced some 40% of Argentina’s workers to operate in the informal economy, without contracts or social security.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026

She will also announce in her policy speech a cross-party "national council" to discuss taxation and how to fund ageing Japan's ballooning social security bill, media reports said.

From Barron's • Feb. 20, 2026

She will also announce the creation of a cross-party "national council" to discuss taxation and how to fund ageing Japan's ballooning social security bill.

From Barron's • Feb. 18, 2026

Her social security check barely covered her living expenses, let alone classes and books.

From "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot