labor force

[ ley-ber fawrs ]

noun

1. workforce.
2. (in the United States) the body of people who are at least 16 years old and are either employed or available for employment.

Word History and Origins

Origin of labor force¹

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

Latino GDP, is that under both parties Latino wages grow and Latinos see big surges in labor force participation.

From Los Angeles Times

“It is a frequent strategy for the black-market organizers to hide behind the labor force and remain shielded from law enforcement,” LaRue said.

From Los Angeles Times

In California, an estimated 1.5 million workers — 7% of the state’s labor force — are undocumented, according to the Pew Research Center.

From Los Angeles Times

More than 60% of South Koreans in the labor force favor a four-day workweek, according to a survey last month by local polling company Global Research.

From Los Angeles Times

The labor force is aging, and immigration from Mexico — once a steady source of new workers — has slowed.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• labor pool
• personnel
• workforce