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

The companies that will outperform in the next market cycle will be those whose CFOs and CHROs speak the same language, treating human capital not as a cost center but as a compounding asset. —Heather Yerrid, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025

Though results vary by individual, many organizations now see breathwork as an investment in human capital—not merely a wellness trend. —Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 29 Aug. 2025

African countries need to develop their natural resources and human capital, finding ways to make financial returns on investments while also caring deeply for workers. —Felicia Appenteng, semafor.com, 18 Aug. 2025

Alibaba noted in the announcement that Accio has particular potential for small-to-medium enterprises, which often have limited human capital to devote to sourcing activities. —Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 14 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1799, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for human capital

• capitol
• noncapital