workforce
noun
work·force
ˈwərk-ˌfȯrs 
1
: the workers engaged in a specific activity or enterprise
the factory's workforce
2
: the number of workers potentially assignable for any purpose
the nation's workforce
Synonyms
Examples of workforce in a Sentence
We have a workforce of 2,400 people.
the office's entire workforce is devoted to a single project right now
Recent Examples on the Web
And mentorship remains just as important when entering the workforce.
—
Essence, 5 Apr. 2024
Fortune Does the ‘good place to work’ exist for Gen Z?
Gen Zers entering the post-COVID workforce are trying to balance two different objectives: stability alongside flexibility and autonomy.
—Diane Brady, Fortune, 5 Apr. 2024
Gilbert Guichard, a divisional coast guard inspector, said the agency has lost about one-quarter of its nearly 220-person workforce to the Biden administration’s humanitarian parole program.
—Amanda Coletta, Washington Post, 5 Apr. 2024
Small and midsize firms remain eager to expand their workforces, but economists say many jobseekers are likely chasing higher pay at larger companies with deeper coffers.
—J.j. McCorvey, NBC News, 4 Apr. 2024
To be sure, the mean numbers are a blunt assessment across the whole workforce.
—Tom Metcalf, Fortune Europe, 4 Apr. 2024
There, the chamber pushes for what its members want, like better childcare options, increased mental health services, and ways to grow the workforce through any means possible.
—Jolene Almendarez, The Enquirer, 2 Apr. 2024
Scope of the referendum/why it's needed: The district said the majority of funds would go toward staff retention and recurring costs to keep the district's workforce compensation competitive with neighboring districts to allow for better teacher/staff continuity and retention.
—Alec Johnson, Journal Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2024
Holcomb wrote that candidates need to consider several key areas, including the economy, environment, child care and early learning, public health, quality of place, K-12 initiatives and workforce training.
—Jake Allen, The Indianapolis Star, 23 Mar. 2024
Essence, 5 Apr. 2024
Fortune Does the ‘good place to work’ exist for Gen Z?
Gen Zers entering the post-COVID workforce are trying to balance two different objectives: stability alongside flexibility and autonomy.
—Diane Brady, Fortune, 5 Apr. 2024
Gilbert Guichard, a divisional coast guard inspector, said the agency has lost about one-quarter of its nearly 220-person workforce to the Biden administration’s humanitarian parole program.
—Amanda Coletta, Washington Post, 5 Apr. 2024
Small and midsize firms remain eager to expand their workforces, but economists say many jobseekers are likely chasing higher pay at larger companies with deeper coffers.
—J.j. McCorvey, NBC News, 4 Apr. 2024
To be sure, the mean numbers are a blunt assessment across the whole workforce.
—Tom Metcalf, Fortune Europe, 4 Apr. 2024
There, the chamber pushes for what its members want, like better childcare options, increased mental health services, and ways to grow the workforce through any means possible.
—Jolene Almendarez, The Enquirer, 2 Apr. 2024
Scope of the referendum/why it's needed: The district said the majority of funds would go toward staff retention and recurring costs to keep the district's workforce compensation competitive with neighboring districts to allow for better teacher/staff continuity and retention.
—Alec Johnson, Journal Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2024
Holcomb wrote that candidates need to consider several key areas, including the economy, environment, child care and early learning, public health, quality of place, K-12 initiatives and workforce training.
—Jake Allen, The Indianapolis Star, 23 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'workforce.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1931, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near workforce
Cite this Entry
“Workforce.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/workforce. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
Copy Citation
Kids Definition
workforce
noun
work·force
ˈwərk-ˌfō(ə)rs
-ˌfȯ(ə)rs
: the workers of a specific activity or business
the factory's workforce
More from Merriam-Webster on workforce
Nglish: Translation of workforce for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of workforce for Arabic Speakers
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share