workforce

noun

work·​force ˈwərk-ˌfȯrs 

1

: the workers engaged in a specific activity or enterprise

the factory's workforce

2

: the number of workers potentially assignable for any purpose

the nation's workforce

Synonyms of workforce

• staff
• manpower
• personnel
• pool

Examples of workforce in a Sentence

We have a workforce of 2,400 people.

the office's entire workforce is devoted to a single project right now

Recent Examples on the Web

Still, experts see WARN notices as a leading indicator of large-scale job cuts, offering an early estimate of the timing and size of workforce reductions that may not take effect for up to two months after announcements. —Dian Zhang, USA Today, 6 June 2026

The result is a form of growth that may leave large segments of the workforce worse off even as the economy becomes more productive. —James Broughel, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026

Another approach to cutting down the workforce is voluntary layoffs, a move that rewards loyal workers. —Jacqueline Munis, Fortune, 6 June 2026

Sánchez has highlighted the benefits of legal migration to the country's economy with an aging workforce and low birthrate. —CBS News, 6 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for workforce

• concourse
• divorce
• endorse
• enforce
• indorse
• midcourse
• outsource
• perforce
• racehorse
• remorse
• seahorse
• workhorse

Kids Definition

workforce

noun

work·​force ˈwərk-ˌfō(ə)rs 

-ˌfȯ(ə)rs

: the workers of a specific activity or business

the factory's workforce