social work

American  

noun

1. organized work directed toward the betterment of social conditions in the community, as by seeking to improve the condition of people in poverty, to promote the welfare of children, etc.

---

social work British  

noun

1. any of various social services designed to alleviate the conditions of the poor and aged and to increase the welfare of children

---

Other Word Forms

• social worker noun

Etymology

Origin of social work

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

And Scottish Labour MSP Paul Sweeney called for better social work and mental health service signposting for the terminally ill.

From BBC • Mar. 17, 2026

“We didn’t have a background in psychology or social work, we just had each other and a mic,” Greenberg recalls.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2026

Zoey’s mother, BJ Newton, an associate professor of social work and social policy, described the ban as devastating.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 10, 2025

A spokesperson for North Lanarkshire Council said its social work team was "committed to developing their relationship with the family so they can work together to provide the best possible service".

From BBC • Dec. 1, 2025

Ms. Sandnes received her master’s degree in social work, became a licensed counselor, and still works at The Children’s Home as the counseling services manager.

From "Three Little Words: A Memoir" by Ashley Rhodes-Courter