Welfare

/ˈwɛl.fɛər/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The health, happiness, and fortunes of a person or group.

The charity's main aim is to improve the welfare of disadvantaged children.

Government support for the citizens and residents of a community.

Many people rely on government welfare programs to get through difficult times.

Financial assistance given to those in need.

She applied for welfare to help cover her living expenses while she searched for a job.

A state of doing well, especially in respect to good fortune, happiness, and prosperity.

The research focused on the overall welfare of the population during the crisis.

From the Middle English 'welfare', combining 'well' and 'fare', meaning 'to do well'.

welfare state

A government that provides a range of social services to its citizens.

on welfare

Receiving government assistance because of low income or unemployment.

welfare checks

Monetary payments issued by the government to individuals in need.

benefit

A payment or gift made by an employer or the government to support individual needs.

aid

Help or support given to those in need.

assistance

The provision of resources to help others in need.

Welfare queen

The term 'welfare queen' is often used in a derogatory manner to describe someone who allegedly exploits welfare systems.

Welfare mom

The phrase 'welfare mom' can imply that a mother is reliant on government assistance for her family's well-being.