labor market

American  

noun

1. the available supply of labor considered with reference to the demand for it.

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labor market Cultural  

1. An area of economic exchange in which workers seek jobs and employers seek workers. A “tight” labor market has more jobs than workers. In a “slack” labor market, the reverse is true.

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Etymology

Origin of labor market

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

It is possible that it is reducing hiring in a few specific occupations and age groups but even that evidence is weak and the aggregate magnitude of any labor market impact is small to zero.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026

Those governors thought a weakening labor market merited a cut.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026

Now, with the labor market showing promising signs, the rotation trade that violently gripped the stock market before the Iran war looks to be back on — just with a slightly updated look.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 7, 2026

The strong May jobs report released Friday, which showed an improving U.S. labor market, is only likely to strengthen their focus on inflation.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 6, 2026

With men being absorbed into the military services, with women already in demand by eager employers, the labor market was as exhausted as the war workers themselves.

From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly