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

Social work student Agnes Chigunde says the workouts have become part of her daily routine.

From Reuters • Nov. 30, 2022

Social work is in the midst of its own reform efforts; after a swift outcry to the NASW’s tweet, it has backed away from any gesture of approval.

From Slate • Jul. 1, 2020

Social work has become a larger part of the medical mission.

From New York Times • Jan. 2, 2017

Social work is really a very wide practice, and some of the practice is dealing with just individuals.

From The Guardian • Mar. 14, 2016

Social work is constantly requiring helpers in new departments.

From The Canadian Girl at Work A Book of Vocational Guidance by Willison, Marjory MacMurchy, Lady