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
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Unlike special economic zone offices elsewhere, RHQs in Riyadh are designed to serve as genuine operational bases—not symbolic branches—managing corporate strategy and human capital across the entire Middle East and Africa. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025 Smith has more than two decades of experience in human capital strategy, executive recruitment, and organizational development in the fashion and retail industries. David Moin, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025 The department's chief human capital officer, Rachel Borra, said that the plans had predated the shutdown. Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025 The department’s chief human capital officer, in a court filing, said the layoffs were not connected to the current government shutdown. Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 21 Oct. 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 3 Nov. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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