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

Explanation

Your welfare is your happiness and well being. Parents are usually in charge of their children's welfare, making sure they're healthy, happy and well fed. Welfare is a state of content or prosperous existence. So if something bad happens, your welfare is threatened. Welfare can also refer to a government system designed to give money, food, and resources to the poor. Welfare systems have been around since ancient Roman times, but the U.S. welfare program didn't start until the 1930's, during the Great Depression.

Example Sentences

The idea was that a well-constructed welfare state could deliver the same material standard of living as America’s cowboy capitalism, or better.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

Channel 4 says that when concerns related to contributor welfare were raised, "prompt and appropriate action was taken, based on the information available at the time" adding it "strongly refutes any claim to the contrary".

From BBC • May 20, 2026

An Australian animal welfare group is seeking a heroic dog with an appetite for adventure for a full-time position as a koala rescuer.

From Barron's • May 20, 2026

Some must even be locked up under Deprivation of Liberty orders mandated by the High Court for their own welfare.

From BBC • May 20, 2026

“Tomorrow,” Mami said, “you’re not going to school. I need you to come with me to the welfare office.”

From "When I Was Puerto Rican" by Esmeralda Santiago

Related Words

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