workforce

or work force

[ wurk-fawrs ]

noun

1. the total number of workers in a specific undertaking:

   a holiday for the company's workforce.

2. the total number of people employed or employable:

   a sharp increase in the nation's workforce.

workforce

/ ˈwɜːkˌfɔːs /

noun

1. the total number of workers employed by a company on a specific job, project, etc
2. the total number of people who could be employed

   the country's workforce is growing rapidly

Word History and Origins

Origin of workforce¹

First recorded in 1940–45; work ( def ) + force ( def )

Example Sentences

"We are committed to an equitable solution that is fair to our wider workforce of 1,200 and remain keen to continue ongoing negotiations with our team and their representatives."

From BBC

Meanwhile a benchmark NHS dermatology report in 2021 highlighted a "severe workforce shortage caused by a long-term restriction on the number of new dermatology training posts".

From BBC

Last year, a survey by the group Freelancers Make Theatre Work depicted "a workforce that is at breaking point".

From BBC

It is losing money and market share, has been fined for missing delivery targets and has made an enemy of its own workforce through a series of bitter strikes.

From BBC

Case in point: American businesses that produced products to support international aid projects have reported significant financial losses and reducing their workforces.

From Salon

Related Words

• labor pool
• personnel