welfare

American  

[wel-fair] / ˈwɛlˌfɛər /

noun

1. the good fortune, health, happiness, prosperity, etc., of a person, group, or organization; well-being.

   to look after a child's welfare; the physical or moral welfare of society.

2. welfare work.

3. financial or other assistance to an individual or family from a city, state, or national government.

   Thousands of jobless people in this city would starve if it weren't for welfare.

4. (initial capital letter) a governmental agency that provides funds and aid to people in need, especially those unable to work.

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idioms

1. on welfare, receiving financial aid from the government or from a private organization because of hardship and need.

welfare British  

/ ˈwɛlˌfɛə /

noun

1. health, happiness, prosperity, and well-being in general

2. 1. financial and other assistance given to people in need

   2. ( as modifier )

      welfare services

3. Also called: welfare work.  plans or work to better the social or economic conditions of various underprivileged groups

4. informal the public agencies involved with giving such assistance

5. in receipt of financial aid from a government agency or other source

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welfare Cultural  

1. Government-provided support for those unable to support themselves. In the United States, it is undertaken by various federal, state, and local agencies under the auspices of different programs, the best known of which are Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) and food stamps.

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Other Word Forms

• antiwelfare adjective

Etymology

Origin of welfare

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English, from phrase wel fare; equivalent to well ¹ + fare

Example Sentences

A centre that has been dedicated to the breeding and welfare of rare horses for centuries said it would be cutting back its public facilities due to high costs.

From BBC

Mountain rescuers and HM Coastguard crews were called in to help in the search after concerns were raised about the welfare of the pair on Wednesday.

From BBC

Evaluate other undocumented people residing in the U.S. on a discretionary basis, with a presumption in favor of residency rights if they’re employed, have paid taxes, and haven’t abused the welfare system.

From The Wall Street Journal

Animal welfare groups say fast-growing "franken-chickens" mature quicker but also have higher rates of premature death and muscle disease.

From BBC

South Wales Police attended a house in Poplar Crescent, Porthcawl, on Tuesday following concerns about the welfare of an elderly woman.

From BBC

Related Words

• benefit
• health
• interest
• progress
• prosperity
• weal
• well-being