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

By investing in foundational learning today, Africa builds the human capital that will sustain its progress for generations. —Obiageli Ezekwesili, semafor.com, 3 Nov. 2025

In Latin America and the Caribbean, health systems face a silent crisis of human capital. —Dr. Victor Raúl Castillo Mantilla, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2025

Unlike special economic zone offices elsewhere, RHQs in Riyadh are designed to serve as genuine operational bases—not symbolic branches—managing corporate strategy and human capital across the entire Middle East and Africa. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025

Smith has more than two decades of experience in human capital strategy, executive recruitment, and organizational development in the fashion and retail industries. —David Moin, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1799, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for human capital

• capitol
• noncapital