welfare state
benefit
/ benəfɪt, benɪfɪt / noun 2 money from government [ uncountable and countable ] British English money provided by the government to people who are sick, unemployed, or have little money SYN welfare American English unemployment/housing/child etc benefit You might be entitled to housing benefit. on benefit families on benefit those people eligible to claim benefit
blind
/ blaɪnd / adjective 1 unable to see a) unable to see → colour-blind , visually impaired , handicapped : a school for blind children the needs of blind people totally/completely/almost/partially blind She's almost blind in her right eye. He was slowly going blind (= becoming blind ) . Beverley was born blind . b) the blind [ plural ] people who are unable to see : talking books for the blind c) as blind as a bat unable to see well - used humorously : I'm as blind as a bat without my glasses. d) blind with tears/rage/pain etc unable to see because of tears, pain, or a strong emotion → blindly : She screamed at him, her eyes blind with tears. — blindness noun
braille
/ breɪl / noun [ uncountable ] a form of printing for blind people, with raised parts that they can read by touching the paper with their fingers
disable
/ dɪseɪb ə l / verb [ transitive ] 1 [ usually passive ] to make someone unable to use a part of their body properly : Carter was permanently disabled in the war. 2 to deliberately make a machine or piece of equipment impossible to use : The virus will disable your computer. — disablement noun [ uncountable and countable ] — disabling adjective : a disabling injury
elderly
/ eldəli $ eldərli / adjective 1 used as a polite way of saying that someone is old or becoming old : a well-dressed elderly woman 2 the elderly people who are old : a retirement village for the elderly
eligible
/ elɪdʒəb ə l, elɪdʒɪb ə l / adjective 1 someone who is eligible for something is able or allowed to do it, for example because they are the right age eligible for Students on a part-time course are not eligible for a loan. eligible to do something Over 500,000 18-year-olds will become eligible to vote this year. 2 [ only before noun ] an eligible man or woman would be good to marry because they are rich, attractive, and not married : Stephen was regarded as an eligible bachelor . — eligibility / elɪdʒəbɪləti, elɪdʒɪbɪləti / noun [ uncountable ]
hearing aid
/ eɪd / noun [ countable ] a small object which fits into or behind your ear to make sounds louder, worn by people who cannot hear well
financial
/ fənænʃ ə l, fɪnænʃ ə l, faɪ- / adjective [ usually before noun ] relating to money or the management of money : financial transactions financial assistance a financial advisor Organic farmers should be encouraged with financial incentives. It was a wonderful film, but not exactly a financial success (= something that makes a profit ) . financial difficulties/problems/crisis — financially adverb : He was successful and financially secure . Is the project financially viable ?
handicapped
/ hændikæpt / adjective old-fashioned 1 if someone is handicapped, a part of their body or their mind has been permanently injured or damaged. Some people think that this word is offensive : a special school for mentally handicapped children 2 the handicapped [ plural ] people who are handicapped. Some people think that this expression is offensive. → disabled THESAURUS disabled not able to use a part of your body properly or not able to learn normally, because of a permanent problem : Disabled people should have the same rights and choices as everyone else. | Elaine is severely disabled and relies on 24 hour care. | The charity provides opportunities and facilities for disabled people to take part in sport. special needs if someone has special needs, they have physical or mental disabilities : a school for children with special needs | A woman whose five-year-old son has special needs has accused her local education authority of failing to provide him with a decent eductation.
haves
/ hævz / noun the haves the rich people in a country or society : the widening gap between the haves and the have-nots → have-nots
local council
/ kaʊns ə l / noun [ countable also + plural verb British English ] the group of people responsible for providing houses, schools, parks etc in a small area such as a town
pention
/ penʃ ə n / noun [ countable ] an amount of money paid regularly by the government or company to someone who does not work any more, for example because they have reached the age when people stop working or because they are ill : At what age can you start drawing your pension ? If you are self-employed, you should think about taking out a private pension . Many people find it hard to live on a basic state pension . She pays a quarter of her salary into a pension plan . verbs get/receive a pension They receive the basic state pension. draw your pension (= receive it ) He's got another ten years before he draws his pension. collect your pension (= receive it or go to get it ) She went to the post office every week to collect her pension. pay into a pension (= pay money regularly so that you will have a pension later ) They have been unable to pay into a pension. take out a pension (= make arrangements to have a pension later ) People were encouraged to take out private pensions.
pentioner
/ penʃ ə nə $ -ər / noun [ countable ] someone who receives a pension SYN senior citizen , OAP British English → retire : old age pensioners
retire
/ rɪtaɪə $ -taɪr / verb a) [ intransitive ] to stop working, usually because you have reached a certain age : Most people retire at 65. He was forced to retire early because of poor health. retire from I retired from teaching three years ago. her decision to retire from her position as librarian of the law society Her drink problem has forced her to retire from public life . retire as He retired as a GP last year. b) [ transitive usually passive ] to ask someone to stop doing their job, usually because of ill health : He became ill and was retired early.
retired
/ rɪtaɪəd $ -taɪrd / adjective having stopped working, usually because of your age : a retired teacher Both my parents are retired now.
retirement
/ rɪtaɪəmənt $ -taɪr- / noun 1 [ uncountable and countable ] when you stop working, usually because of your age retirement from He became a keen golfer after his retirement from politics. retirement as He announced his retirement as chief executive of the company. She took early retirement (= retired at an earlier age than usual ) last year. Dad's approaching retirement age . 2 [ singular, uncountable ] the period after you have stopped work : I hope you enjoy a long and happy retirement. in retirement Will you be able to support yourself in retirement? a retirement pension verbs approach retirement People approaching retirement need to consider the issue of money. take early retirement (= retire earlier than usual ) He took early retirement in 1990 after 25 years at IBM. announce your retirement Shortly after his defeat he announced his retirement from politics.
retiree
/ rɪtaɪəri $ -taɪri / noun [ countable ] American English someone who has stopped working, usually because of their age → pensioner
schooling
/ skulɪŋ / noun [ uncountable ] school education : children in their final year of compulsory schooling (= the time during which children have to attend school by law ) Al's dad had only a few years of schooling.
subsidize AC ( also subsidise British English )
/ sʌbsədaɪz, sʌbsɪdaɪz / verb [ transitive usually passive ] if a government or organization subsidizes a company, activity etc, it pays part of its costs : Farming is heavily subsidized (= subsidized a lot ) by the government. — subsidized adjective [ only before noun ] : heavily subsidized agricultural exports — subsidization / sʌbsədaɪzeɪʃ ə n, sʌbsɪdaɪzeɪʃ ə n $ -də- / noun [ uncountable ]
medical treatment
/ tritmənt / noun 1 medical [ uncountable and countable ] something that is done to cure someone who is injured or ill → treat treatment of/for There have been great advances in the treatment of cancer. The best treatment for a cold is to rest and drink lots of fluids. medical treatment Every patient has a right to refuse medical treatment.
welfare
/ welfeə $ -fer / noun 2 help that is provided for people who have personal or social problems welfare benefits/services/programmes etc the provision of education and welfare services The company's welfare officer deals with employees' personal problems. 3 American English money that is paid by the government in the US to people who are very poor or unemployed SYN benefit British English on welfare Most of the people in this neighborhood are on welfare.
advice
/ ədvaɪs / noun [ uncountable ] an opinion you give someone about what they should do : You should have followed my advice. advice on/about advice on saving energy I need some advice about my computer. on sb's advice On her doctor's advice (= because her doctor advised her ) Smith decided to take early retirement. ► Do not confuse the noun advice / ədvaɪs / with the verb advise / ədvaɪz / : He gave me some useful advice. | Can you advise me on college courses? Grammar Advice is an uncountable noun. Do not say 'advices' or 'an advice'. verbs give somebody some advice My father once gave me some useful advice. | The scheme has given advice and training to scores of youngsters taking part. get some advice I decided to get some advice from a specialist. ask sb's advice Can I ask your advice about something? ask for advice If in doubt, always ask for advice. take/follow sb's advice ( also act on sb's advice formal ) (= do what someone advises you to do ) He followed his doctor's advice and went on a low-fat diet. | The king acted on his advice and ordered his soldiers to get ready for battle. listen to sb's advice ( also heed sb's advice formal ) (= pay attention to someone's advice ) I wish I had listened to her advice. ignore/disregard sb's advice (= not do what someone tells you ) The accident happened because she ignored their advice. go/turn to somebody for advice People often go to him for advice about their problems. seek advice (= try to get some advice ) If you have any of these symptoms you should seek urgent advice. offer advice They can offer advice to those who wish to quit drinking. pass on some advice (= give someone advice that you have learned or been given ) Readers can pass on advice about gardening.
advise
/ ədvaɪz / verb 1 [ intransitive and transitive ] to tell someone what you think they should do, especially when you know more than they do about something : She needed someone to advise her. 'Make sure that you keep the documents in a safe place,' Otley advised him. advise somebody to do something Evans advised him to leave London. You are strongly advised to take out medical insurance when visiting China. advise somebody against (doing) something I'd advise you against saying anything to the press. advise that Experts advise that sunscreen be reapplied every one to two hours. advise caution/patience/restraint etc (= advise people to be careful, patient etc ) The makers advise extreme caution when handling this material. 2 [ intransitive and transitive ] to be employed to give advice on a subject about which you have special knowledge or skill advise on She's been asked to advise on training the new sales team. advise somebody on something He advises us on tax matters.
accommodate
/ əkɒmədeɪt $ əkɑ- / verb 1 [ transitive ] if a room, building etc can accommodate a particular number of people or things, it has enough space for them : He bought a huge house to accommodate his library. The ballroom can accommodate 400 people. 2 [ transitive ] to provide someone with a place to stay, live, or work : The island was used to accommodate child refugees.
accommodation
/ əkɒmədeɪʃ ə n $ əkɑ- / noun 1 [ uncountable ] especially British English ( also accommodations American English ) a place for someone to stay, live, or work : The price for the holiday includes flights and accommodation. living accommodations for the crews travel and hotel accommodations rented accommodation secure accommodation for young offenders Universities have to provide student accommodation for first-year students.
assistance
/ əsɪst ə ns / noun [ uncountable ] help or support : We offer financial assistance to students. Can I be of any assistance (= can I help you ) ? with the assistance of somebody/something We've rebuilt the theatre with the assistance of the National Lottery. verbs need assistance Phone this number if you need any assistance. get/receive assistance She got no assistance from her family. seek assistance If side-effects are severe, seek medical assistance. give (somebody) assistance Our staff can give assistance with any problems that may arise. offer assistance I would be grateful for any assistance you can offer. provide assistance There is no doubt that the US will provide assistance. pledge/promise assistance A group of donors led by the World Bank promised assistance to the value of US$508,000,000. ask for/request assistance Police are at the scene and have requested assistance.
equipment
/ ɪkwɪpmənt / noun 1 [ uncountable ] the tools, machines etc that you need to do a particular job or activity : a shop selling camping equipment some brand new computer equipment a very useful piece of equipment Grammar Equipment is an uncountable noun and has no plural form. Use a singular verb after it :
low income
/ ɪŋkʌm, ɪn- / noun [ uncountable and countable ] the money that you earn from your work or that you receive from investment s , the government etc → salary on an income People on higher incomes should pay more tax. income from income from savings and pensions low-income families verbs have an income ( also receive an income formal ) We have an income of over $100,000 a year. provide an income The properties he rented out provided him with an income. generate an income (= provide one ) He decided to invest the money to generate an income for the future. increase your income She took on extra work to increase her income. supplement/add to your income (= increase your income, for example by doing an extra job ) Ted supplemented his income by doing part-time work in the evenings. sb's income rises/increases/goes up They saw their income rise considerably over the next few years. sb's income falls/goes down Average income fell by one third during this period.
mentally handicapped
adjective old-fashioned a mentally handicapped person has a problem with their brain, often from the time they are born, that affects their ability to think or control their body movements
assistance
help or support : We offer financial assistance to students. Can I be of any assistance (= can I help you ) ? with the assistance of somebody/something We've rebuilt the theatre with the assistance of the National Lottery.
have-nots
noun the have-nots the poor people in a country or society : a country where the have-nots far outnumber the haves → haves
social service
noun 1 social services [ plural ] British English the government department that helps people with problems, for example family or money problems, or the services it provides : Contact social services for help. social service workers the provision of social services
welfare state
noun 1 the welfare state a system in which the government provides money, free medical care etc for people who are unemployed, ill, or too old to work → social security
social worker
noun [ countable ] someone who is trained to help people who are poor, have family problems etc
benefit
verb ( past tense and past participle benefited , present participle benefiting ) if you benefit from something, or it benefits you, it gives you an advantage, improves your life, or helps you in some way : They are working together to benefit the whole community. benefit from/by Many thousands have benefited from the new treatment. They would benefit by reducing their labour costs. benefit greatly/enormously/considerably etc I'm sure you'll benefit greatly from the visit.
pention
verb British English pension somebody/something ↔ off 1 to make someone leave their job when they are old or ill, and pay them a pension : Not everyone wants to be pensioned off at 65.
blind
verb [ transitive ] 1 to make it difficult for someone to see for a short time : For a moment, I was blinded by the glare of headlights coming towards me. The dust choked and blinded him. Blinded by tears, I walked towards the door.