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

Its human capital platform enables companies to manage workforce and HR processes, while the financials platform supports streamlining financial operations such as accounts payable, procurement and accounting. —Kenneth Squire, CNBC, 20 Sep. 2025

That is, investment in R&D and human capital in SG&A lines are expensed as per US GAAP. —Shivaram Rajgopal, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025

And comprehensive immigration reform is essential to ensure that the United States has the human capital required for industry and for maximizing the odds that the next strategically important innovation happens at home. —Sadek Wahba, Foreign Affairs, 4 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

Word History

First Known Use

1799, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for human capital

• capitol
• noncapital