forced labor

noun

1

: very hard physical work that someone is forced to do

The prisoners endured years of forced labor.

2

: a group of people who are made to work very hard for no money

also : a system that allows this

The railroad was built with/by forced labor.

Examples of forced labor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The code prohibits child labor or forced labor and sets out standards for time off and safe working conditions. — Corina Vanek, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026

That came after activists from outside the prison system called for a non-violent prison work stoppage to protest inhumane conditions in the institutions and forced labor by inmates. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 30 Jan. 2026

Both Australia and the United Kingdom are looking at beefing up their modern slavery acts to more effectively tackle child and forced labor. — Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 21 Aug. 2025

The report details allegations of rape, child prostitution, forced labor and trafficking linked to mining camps throughout the Amazon. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 13 May 2026

Rhymes for forced labor

• belabor
• nonlabor
• neighbor
• neighbour
• saber
• sabre
• tabor

Legal Definition

forced labor

noun

: the act of providing or obtaining the labor of a person by use of or threat of force, physical restraint, serious harm (as physical, psychological, financial, or reputational), or abuse of legal process