Well-doing or well-being in any respect; the enjoyment of health and the common blessings of life; exemption from any evil or calamity; prosperity; happiness.

condition of general well-being; and government spending designed to achieve this.

Refers to the economic well being of an individual, group, or economy. For individuals, it is conceptualized by a utility function. For groups, including countries and the world, it is a tricky philosophical concept, since individuals fare differently. In trade theory, an improvement in welfare is often inferred from an increase in real national income.

an index of well-being.

public financial or other assistance (food stamps, for example) given to people who meet certain standards of eligibility regarding income and assets.

See General Welfare Assistance.

governmental provision of economic assistance to persons in need

See "Public assistance."