welfare state

American  

noun

1. a state in which the welfare of the people in such matters as social security, health and education, housing, and working conditions is the responsibility of the government.

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welfare state British  

noun

1. a system in which the government undertakes the chief responsibility for providing for the social and economic security of its population, usually through unemployment insurance, old-age pensions, and other social-security measures

2. a social system characterized by such policies

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welfare state ¹ Cultural  

1. An economic system that combines features of capitalism and socialism by retaining private ownership while the government enacts broad programs of social welfare, such as pensions and public housing.

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welfare state ² Cultural  

1. A state or government that promotes public welfare through programs of public health, pensions, unemployment compensation, public housing, and the like. The expression welfare state is often used by those hostile to government intervention in these areas.

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Etymology

Origin of welfare state

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

It was only in the 1990s that Germany began to let its defense industry shrivel again as it diverted spending toward the welfare state.

From The Wall Street Journal

Early on Monday, his government reached a budget agreement which he said was the only way to "guarantee the sustainability" of Belgium's welfare state.

From BBC

The party, founded by Juan and Eva Perón in the 1940s and long associated with Argentina’s welfare state, remains a formidable force but failed to mobilize disenchanted voters as inflation eased from its historic highs.

From The Wall Street Journal

He entered office in 2017 offering voters a vision of a nimbler, more entrepreneurial France that would pay for its cherished welfare state through faster economic growth.

From The Wall Street Journal

He has spoken in favour of the welfare state.

From BBC

Related Words

• social democracy