welfare
nounBand 6
UKˈwelfeə
USˈwɛlˌfɛr
The health, happiness, and general wellbeing of a person or group; state support.
The charity works for the welfare of children.
Some families rely on welfare payments.
Remember it
Welfare combines “well” and an old sense of “fare,” meaning a person’s well-being or how they are doing.
Watch out
welfareswelfare
Usually uncountable when referring to wellbeing or state support.
Goes with
Similar and opposite
- Similar
- wellbeingwellnessbenefit
- Opposite
- hardshipneglect
Check yourself
1 of 4
Which picture shows welfare?