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

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

Another document seen by the BBC revealed Glasgow City Council's social work department knew of allegations against the Daniels in 1999.

From BBC • Jan. 28, 2026

The film introduces various members of Mason’s investigative squad, including Clark Williams, a stay-at-home dad with a background in social work who also hailed from Wisconsin.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 14, 2026

So of course he thinks I’m an idiot for wanting to go into social work to help minorities.

From "Bronx Masquerade" by Nikki Grimes