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

The government says the scheme will focus on developing transferable skills also valued in the civilian workforce, including logistics, engineering and supply-chain management. —Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 28 Dec. 2025

Trump’s victories on the emergency docket span a variety of issues, including massive plans to trim the size of the federal workforce. —Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 28 Dec. 2025

Last year, a report from technology education provider General Assembly found that fewer than half of workers (48%) and just 12% of mid-level executives think today’s entry-level workers are adequately prepared for the workforce. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 28 Dec. 2025

Throughout the spring, Kansas Citians grappled with cuts to the federal workforce and nearby communities rebuilt after an EF-1 tornado crashed through Missouri. —Emily Curiel, Kansas City Star, 28 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for workforce

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

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