social work

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.

social work

noun

1. any of various social services designed to alleviate the conditions of the poor and aged and to increase the welfare of children

Other Word Forms

• social worker noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of social work¹

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

The British Association of Social Workers said the social work sector is "under considerable strain", with the highest level of referrals to children's social services in a decade and a depleted workforce.

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Department of Education designation, students pursuing graduate degrees in nursing and at least seven other fields, including social work and education, would face tighter federal student loan limits.

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Cosla said chief executives were responsible for everything from education and childcare, housing, social work and care, to roads and transport, waste and recycling, and leisure and culture.

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Criminal Justice social work reports are being prepared ahead of sentencing next month.

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She is pursuing a master’s in social work and looking into PhD programs in expressive arts therapy.

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