human capital

noun

: the skills, knowledge, and qualifications of a person, group, or workforce considered as economic assets

Nothing is more important to a company, nation, or individual than intelligence. It is the fundamental key to problem-solving and wealth creation, and underpins the human capital that drives every company and nation forward.

—Peter H. Diamandis

In fact, the evidence suggests that public investments in human capital, including higher education, yield long-term economic rates of return that far exceed most standard investments in technology or capital.

—Edward L. Glaeser

All of this coincided with the emergence in academe of the idea of "human capital": the notion that the more skilled the work force, the more productive it tends to be.

—Denis P. Doyle et al.

Examples of human capital in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Automation and improvements in human capital will more than offset the numerical losses for some time to come. —Frank Lavin, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026

The conversation increasingly centers on the ideas that innovation and technology, human capital development, and integration across borders are essential drivers of sustainable progress. —Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 17 Jan. 2026

The outlook for Russia’s economy would be rosy, unburdened by sanctions and lost human capital, and made rich by Europe’s once-insatiable demand for its oil and gas. —Marc Champion, Twin Cities, 15 Jan. 2026

Iran is a country rich in natural resources and human capital. —Pegah Banihashemi, Chicago Tribune, 13 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1799, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for human capital

• capitol
• noncapital