labor-intensive

adjective

la·​bor-in·​ten·​sive ˈlā-bər-in-ˌten(t)-siv How to pronounce labor-intensive (audio)
: having high labor costs per unit of output
especially : requiring greater expenditure on labor than in capital

Examples of labor-intensive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Not your average labor-intensive enchilada, these miniatures come together in just three steps and 30 minutes. Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 4 Feb. 2026 The labor-intensive curiosity, long relegated to fruitcake and other traditional sweets, is making a glittering comeback. Hannah Walhout, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 Feb. 2026 Services are also typically more labor-intensive than manufacturing and remain China’s largest source of employment, according to the EIU. Anniek Bao, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2026 How to Spot Authentic Vintage Cast Iron Because older manufacturing methods were more complex and labor-intensive, vintage cast iron tends to be smoother, stronger, and lighter than modern cast iron. Kate Donovan, Martha Stewart, 29 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for labor-intensive

Word History

First Known Use

1928, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of labor-intensive was in 1928

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Cite this Entry

“Labor-intensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/labor-intensive. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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