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 board chose an executive with deep operational roots, long tenure, and experience across manufacturing, commercial, and human capital roles. —Ruth Umoh, Fortune, 14 Apr. 2026

Access to such human capital permitted me to accelerate the new law school’s ability to serve its community and so more quickly build a favorable reputation among judges and lawyers. —Stephen B. Young, Twin Cities, 12 Apr. 2026

Smaller populations may also enable more efficient investment in human capital. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 Apr. 2026

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

Word History

First Known Use

1799, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for human capital

• capitol
• noncapital