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Definition of workfare

workfare

/ˈwɜːrkˌfɛər/
work · fare
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workfare Lexical Profile

workfare Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A social welfare system or government program in which able-bodied recipients are required to perform public-service work, participate in job training, or actively seek employment in exchange for financial benefits.

Example

"The state legislature debated whether expanding the workfare program would genuinely help low-income families achieve long-term financial independence."

• Nearby Words

workcamp
workday
worker
workfare
workflow
workforce
workgirl

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 1960s as a blend of "work" and "welfare," popularized in American political discourse during the Richard Nixon administration.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Workfare. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/workfare
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