social service

noun

: an activity designed to promote social well-being

specifically : organized philanthropic assistance (such as counseling, job training, or financial support)

It operates like a mall with specialty shops, treating students like customers, or the adult clients of a social service, rather than as young people in need of an education for a worthy life.

—Joseph Featherstone

Most states are struggling with skimpy resources and a system of uncoordinated social services that is totally inadequate to serve a population of individuals whose needs are bottomless.

—Constance Holden

—often used before another noun

social service agencies

a social service project

Examples of social service in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Community schools provide a range of on-campus assistance, including health and mental health support, tutoring and other social services. —Mathew Miranda, Sacramento Bee, 18 Apr. 2024

Some social service providers say local ordinances like a camping ban would provide incentive to homeless people to take advantage of existing resources. —Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 18 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1761, in the meaning defined above