B2nounsocietypolitics
US/ˈwel.fer/
UK/ˈwel.feə/
the health, safety and happiness of people; also government help for people who need money
In context
The new law aims to improve the welfare of factory workers.
Some families depend on welfare payments when a parent loses their job.
Animal welfare groups have protested against the bear farms.
Words that go with welfare
adjective + noun
- social welfareSpending on social welfare rose sharply during the pandemic.
noun + noun
- animal welfareThe zoo was closed after complaints about animal welfare.
- welfare stateSweden is often described as a model welfare state.
- child welfareChild welfare officers visited the family twice.
- welfare systemCritics say the welfare system is too complicated for older people.