social security

[ soh-shuhl si-kyoor-i-tee ]

noun

1. Usually Social Security. a program of old-age, unemployment, health, disability, and survivors insurance maintained by the U.S. federal government through compulsory payments by specific employer and employee groups. Compare OASDI ( def ).
2. the theory or practice of providing economic security and social welfare for the individual through government programs maintained by funds from public taxation.

social security

noun

1. public provision for the economic, and sometimes social, welfare of the aged, unemployed, etc, esp through pensions and other monetary assistance
2. often capitals a government programme designed to provide such assistance

Word History and Origins

Origin of social security¹

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

He spent it rather quickly, pursuing a partial privatization of Social Security that tanked while giving Democrats an economic issue to rally around in the 2006 midterms.

From Slate

Regardless, for many workers who take odd jobs under the table or use a false Social Security number to work, a temporary job permit can mean better pay and at least temporary reprieve from the fear of being deported.

From Los Angeles Times

Trump’s 2025 agenda has some people concerned that Social Security will be targeted.

From Salon

According to Yue Li, an economist at the University at Albany, SUNY, “there has been evidence showing that when social security was first introduced, it caused mortality to fall.”

From Salon

Yet Barnett also brings up an economic issue that was not widely discussed during the campaign: Social Security.

From Salon