welfare

1 of 2

noun

wel·​fare ˈwel-ˌfer 

1

: the state of doing well especially in respect to good fortune, happiness, well-being, or prosperity

must look out for your own welfare

2

a

: aid in the form of money or necessities for those in need

b

: an agency or program through which such aid is distributed

welfare

2 of 2

adjective

1

: of, relating to, or concerned with welfare and especially with improvement of the welfare of disadvantaged social groups

welfare legislation

2

: receiving public welfare benefits

welfare families

Synonyms

Noun

• good
• interest
• weal
• well-being

Examples of welfare in a Sentence

Noun

He wants to do away with welfare.

I have your welfare at heart.

The welfare of all the orphans was at stake.

She donates to organizations concerned about animal welfare.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The department says 100% of the funds are being used to reimburse the state for the cost of caring for kids in the child welfare system. —Jennifer Brookland, Detroit Free Press, 22 Apr. 2024

Even while the number of referrals or arrests may decrease, children of color are still affected at higher rates in many systems, from the child welfare system, to school discipline, or contact with law enforcement. —Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from the phrase wel faren to fare well

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1886, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing welfare

• anti-welfare
• corporate welfare
• on welfare
• social welfare
• welfare family
• welfare state

Kids Definition

welfare

noun

wel·​fare

ˈwel-ˌfa(ə)r,

-ˌfe(ə)r

1

: the state of doing well especially in relation to happiness, well-being, or success

must look out for your own welfare

2

a

: aid in the form of money or necessities for people in need

b

: a program through which such aid is distributed

welfare adjective