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

Although Howard certainly invested financial capital, his greatest contribution has always been his investment of human capital – his own time and wisdom. —Brandon Busteed, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026

Metinvest considers human capital as important as advanced technologies. —CBS News, 23 Jan. 2026

Uneven power dynamics mean mills and manufacturers are consistently required to fund the financial and human capital for new technologies and research with no guarantee that their investment will result in orders or long-term commitments from clients. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 22 Jan. 2026

Now, the one thing that Putin clearly doesn’t care about is human capital. —David Frum, The Atlantic, 21 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1799, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for human capital

• capitol
• noncapital