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workforce

noun work·force \ ˈwərk-ˌfȯrs \
|Updated on: 16 Aug 2018

Definition of workforce

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

See workforce defined for English-language learners

See workforce defined for kids

Examples of workforce in a Sentence

  1. We have a workforce of 2,400 people.

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

Recent Examples of workforce from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'workforce.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of workforce

1931

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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workforce Synonyms

Synonyms

force, help, labor force, manpower, personnel, pool, staff;

Related Words

labor, proletariat, rank and file;

band, company, crew, gang, outfit, party, squad, team;

employee (also employe), helper, hireling, worker;

Other Business Terms

amortize, caveat emptor, clearinghouse, divest, due diligence, emolument, green-collar, marque, overhead, perquisite

WORKFORCE Defined for English Language Learners

workforce

noun

Definition of workforce for English Language Learners

  • : the group of people who work for a particular organization or business

  • : the number of people in a country or area who are available for work

Learn More about workforce

  1. Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for workforce Spanish Central: Translation of workforce Nglish: Translation of workforce for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of workforce for Arabic speakers

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