human capital

noun

: the skills, knowledge, and qualifications of a person, group, or workforce considered as economic assets
Nothing is more important to a company, nation, or individual than intelligence. It is the fundamental key to problem-solving and wealth creation, and underpins the human capital that drives every company and nation forward.Peter H. Diamandis
In fact, the evidence suggests that public investments in human capital, including higher education, yield long-term economic rates of return that far exceed most standard investments in technology or capital.Edward L. Glaeser
All of this coincided with the emergence in academe of the idea of "human capital": the notion that the more skilled the work force, the more productive it tends to be.Denis P. Doyle et al.

Examples of human capital 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.
Instead of building a resilient, diversified economy, Cambodia has relied on relationships – with China for investment, with the U.S. for markets – without investing enough in its own human capital. Sophal Ear, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2025 With these gains, the opportunity to invest in human capital will be staggering. Daniel Saks, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025 Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: 117 workers were terminated, and all have been reinstated and placed on administrative leave, according to the bureau's acting chief human capital officer. Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 18 Mar. 2025 Employees hit by the layoffs separately received notices from the chief human capital officer informing them that they will be placed on paid administrative leave beginning March 21, according to copies reviewed by NBC News. Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 12 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for human capital

Word History

First Known Use

1799, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of human capital was in 1799

Cite this Entry

“Human capital.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/human%20capital. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

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