social service: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, institutional, academic, journalistic.
Quick answer
What does “social service” mean?
The organized system of services, typically provided by the state or charitable organizations, designed to support the welfare and wellbeing of a community, especially its most vulnerable members.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The organized system of services, typically provided by the state or charitable organizations, designed to support the welfare and wellbeing of a community, especially its most vulnerable members.
Work or activity performed to benefit society or its members, often on a voluntary or professional basis. Can also refer to a specific organization or department delivering such support (e.g., child protection, elderly care).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'social services' is the standard term for the local government department responsible for welfare (e.g., 'contact social services'). In the US, the broader term is often 'social welfare' or 'human services', with specific agencies like 'Child Protective Services' (CPS). 'Social service' as a singular noun is more common in the US for referring to the concept or a specific act.
Connotations
UK: Strongly associated with statutory, local authority-provided support. US: Can be broader, encompassing both government and non-profit (NGO) sector activities.
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK English due to its role as a standard institutional term. In US English, alternative phrases like 'human services' or 'public assistance' are often used in similar contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “social service” in a Sentence
The [NOUN] provides/various social services.[NOUN] is eligible for social services.She works in social services.A referral was made to social services.Funding for social services was cut.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “social service” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The local authority has a duty to provide social services.
- He had a long career in social service.
American English
- The nonprofit organization focuses on direct social service.
- Social service agencies are facing budget constraints.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) contexts discussing community investment.
Academic
Common in sociology, public policy, and social work literature. Discussed in terms of models, funding, effectiveness, and ethics.
Everyday
Used when discussing help for families, the elderly, or vulnerable people. e.g., "We had to get social services involved."
Technical
Precise term in social work, law, and public administration, referring to specific legislation, duties, and protocols.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “social service”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “social service”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “social service”
- Using 'social service' as a countable noun for a single act of help (better: 'a community service' or 'a good deed'). Confusing it with 'social work' (the profession) vs. 'social services' (the system).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
As a singular concept, it is usually uncountable (e.g., 'a life dedicated to social service'). When referring to specific organizations or types of aid, it can be countable (e.g., 'various social services'). The plural form 'social services' is very common.
'Social service' implies organized, often professional or statutory, welfare work. 'Community service' often refers to voluntary local work or unpaid work done as a punishment or for the benefit of one's local area.
Yes, especially through government contracts (e.g., outsourced care homes, employment programs). However, the term is still associated with the non-profit and public sectors.
A formal process where a professional (like a doctor or teacher) contacts the social services department to request an assessment or support for a vulnerable person or family.
The organized system of services, typically provided by the state or charitable organizations, designed to support the welfare and wellbeing of a community, especially its most vulnerable members.
Social service is usually formal, institutional, academic, journalistic. in register.
Social service: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsəʊʃəl ˈsɜːvɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsoʊʃəl ˈsɜːrvɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A safety net (metaphor for social services)”
- “From cradle to grave (describing comprehensive welfare)”
- “In the care of the state.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of SOCIety's SERVICE – the services a society provides to look after its own.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIETY IS A FAMILY (with a duty of care); THE STATE IS A PARENT/PROVIDER; WELFARE IS A SAFETY NET.
Practice
Quiz
In UK English, 'social services' most specifically refers to: