slave labor

noun

1. persons, especially a large group, performing labor under duress or threats, as prisoners in a concentration camp; a labor force of slaves or slavelike prisoners.
2. labor done by such a labor force.
3. any coerced or poorly remunerated work:

   Data entry at that salary is slave labor.

Other Words From

• slave-labor adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of slave labor¹

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

Not to diminish the dangers of privatization within the criminal legal system, but it is important to highlight the distinction between privately run, for-profit facilities exploiting slave labor for profit, and the other 87 percent of prisons that are owned/operated by states.

From Slate

In 2015, The Associated Press revealed the wide use of slave labor in the Thai shrimp industry.

From Seattle Times

“This out-of-control problem impacts the safety and livelihoods of Americans, outsourcing not only our manufacturing, but also our retail sectors to China, which — as you know — systematically utilizes slave labor among other unconscionable practices to undermine our economy,” the senators said.

From Seattle Times

Nor does Moscow’s subway system — built with slave labor — pose some grand indictment of America, as Carlson insinuated.

From Los Angeles Times

They also feared slave labor would instill laziness among Georgia’s settlers, who were expected to tend their own modest farms.

From Seattle Times