capital-intensive

[ kap-i-tl-in-ten-siv ]

adjective

1. requiring or using a very large amount of capital relative to the need for or use of labor.

capital-intensive

1. A term describing industries that employ relatively few laborers but that use expensive equipment. ( Compare labor-intensive .)

Word History and Origins

Origin of capital-intensive¹

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

Shipbuilding is a capital-intensive business which means you need to spend a lot of money before you can start to make money.

From BBC

It is a very capital-intensive industry.

From Seattle Times

In all, D’Amaro is in charge of 180,000 employees, many of whom are unionized or part time, meaning he’s used to leading large teams and wildly capital-intensive initiatives.

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s a capital-intensive business and you have to go up against all these established players to successfully produce a car at a volume rate and at a price that makes you money.”

From Los Angeles Times

Nautical metaphors are nothing new for the world of commerce — trade, finance and the joint-stock company can all trace their roots to seafaring merchants engaged in risky adventures to haul holds full of goods across the world in capital-intensive ships.

From Los Angeles Times