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

Derived Forms

• social worker
  noun

Etymology

Origin of social work

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

“I can count on one hand the number of repairs I’ve needed and I’ve never been stranded,” said Gleeson, a former software engineer who is now working toward a master’s degree in social work.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 6, 2026

Plus, more workers have opted to go back to school for advanced degrees in social work and health professions, among other fields.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 18, 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

“We didn’t have a background in psychology or social work, we just had each other and a mic,” Greenberg recalls.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2026

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