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

Acquiring human capital for a new enterprise is time-consuming and faces the chicken-egg dilemma. —Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2026

Among the many solutions the Aspen Institute recommends for boosting essential economy productivity is bolstering human capital by investing in employees through ongoing learning and development, salary increases and rewards. —Stacey Zolt Hara, Fortune, 12 Mar. 2026

But the most compelling argument is human capital. —Maurizio Caio, semafor.com, 2 Mar. 2026

Companies are investing billions in AI adoption while overlooking the human capital development that will determine their success. —Jim Cowen, Forbes.com, 25 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1799, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for human capital

• capitol
• noncapital