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

As the federal government has continued to slash funding for scientific research, clean energy, social services, public safety, and education, billionaire philanthropists have stepped in to fill the void. — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 12 Aug. 2026

The Sherwood aims to offer permanent homes alongside access to healthcare, case management and a suite of social services for families with few other options. — Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 12 Aug. 2026

Flanagan, however, has caught some flak for her proximity to Walz and the cascading social services fraud scandal that prompted the 2024 vice presidential candidate to abandon his reelection bid. — Garrett Downs, CNBC, 11 Aug. 2026

In addition to its ministerial functions, the church has contributed significantly to social services, health care, and education in Kenya. — Stephanie Triplettall, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1761, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for social service

• interservice
• disservice
• preservice
• nervous
• nervus