social service

noun

plural social services

: a program or effort designed to promote human or societal well-being

specifically : organized help for people who are in need of assistance with basic needs (such as food, housing, safety, or job training) or with medical needs (such as addiction or mental illness)

—usually plural

Most states are struggling with skimpy resources and a system of uncoordinated social services that is totally inadequate to serve a population of individuals whose needs are bottomless.

—Constance Holden

… attacked the idea of social services, claiming that the only entity entitled to provide care is the church, not the government.

—Tori Otten

—often used before another noun

social service agencies

Until the bridge's closure, the island hosted and supported social service programs including homeless shelters and an addiction recovery campus.

—Ellie Wolfe

Examples of social service in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In addition to involving a social service agency, if possible, please reach out to her directly about your concerns. —R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2026

The properties are also equipped with social services to help people advance economically. —Desiree Mathurin april 24, Charlotte Observer, 24 Apr. 2026

Over 40 Illinois municipalities have since adopted these harmful policies, while many simultaneously fought to prevent social service providers from helping people survive and transition out of homelessness. —Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026

For the film’s social services agency headquarters — the Office of Personal History — Elizondo turned to Dallas City Hall, a building with some family history. —Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1761, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for social service

• interservice
• disservice
• preservice
• nervous
• nervus