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

This frees human capital for strategic oversight rather than operational bottlenecks. —Oleksandr Sheremeta, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025

The group will advise family office clients on structure and design, family governance, operational efficiency, and board, leadership, philanthropic and human capital advisory, CAA said. —Dade Hayes, Deadline, 21 Apr. 2025

Employees who are dissatisfied with their working conditions may leave and take their human capital with them. —Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025

Employers must recognize that stability, economic mobility, and human capital investments are not just moral imperatives but essential strategies for sustainable economic success. —Solange Charas, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1799, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for human capital

• capitol
• noncapital