welfare state
noun
1
: a social system based on the assumption by a political state of primary responsibility for the individual and social welfare of its citizens
2
: a nation or state characterized by the operation of the welfare state system
Examples of welfare state in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Many wealthy countries boast higher unionization rates, stricter protections against being fired, and – particularly in Europe – more robust welfare states.
—
Jeffrey C. Dixon, The Conversation, 26 Aug. 2025
Instead, to protect their generous welfare states, their percentages of GDP spent on defense remain stuck at: Germany 1.9%, France 2.1% and the UK 2.3%, compared to 3.4% for the United States.
—John Seiler, Oc Register, 20 Aug. 2025
These recent arrivals have stoked social tensions and raised concerns about the growing strain on the welfare state.
—Alexander Kustov, Foreign Affairs, 12 Aug. 2025
With Kuwait’s economy shrinking for two straight years and oil prices below breakeven levels, reducing the number of citizens can help ease the burden on the country’s generous welfare state.
—semafor.com, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for welfare state
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Jeffrey C. Dixon, The Conversation, 26 Aug. 2025
Instead, to protect their generous welfare states, their percentages of GDP spent on defense remain stuck at: Germany 1.9%, France 2.1% and the UK 2.3%, compared to 3.4% for the United States.
—John Seiler, Oc Register, 20 Aug. 2025
These recent arrivals have stoked social tensions and raised concerns about the growing strain on the welfare state.
—Alexander Kustov, Foreign Affairs, 12 Aug. 2025
With Kuwait’s economy shrinking for two straight years and oil prices below breakeven levels, reducing the number of citizens can help ease the burden on the country’s generous welfare state.
—semafor.com, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for welfare state
Cite this Entry
“Welfare state.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/welfare%20state. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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