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

After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in psychology and gender studies from NYU in 2006, she followed up with a master’s in social work from USC in 2010, People reported.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 3, 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

A spokesperson for North Lanarkshire Council said its social work team was "committed to developing their relationship with the family so they can work together to provide the best possible service".

From BBC • Dec. 1, 2025

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.

From BBC • Nov. 28, 2025

He used the money that he made to pay bills while my mother was in school getting her social work degree.

From "When I Was the Greatest" by Jason Reynolds