human capital

American  

noun

1. the collective skills, knowledge, or other intangible assets of individuals that can be used to create economic value for the individuals, their employers, or their community.

   Education is an investment in human capital that pays off in terms of higher productivity.

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human capital British  

noun

1. economics the abilities and skills of any individual, esp those acquired through investment in education and training, that enhance potential income earning

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Etymology

Origin of human capital

First recorded in 1795–1805

Example Sentences

“India is the only country on Earth that really provides a real alternative—in terms of the depth of its human capital and the scale of its market—to China.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 2026

The biggest holdup in the fiber boom, he said, is human capital for roles including drillers, foremen, splicers and aerial linemen.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 1, 2026

XPO has invested in its trucks and service culture, and created the infrastructure and human capital to become a much better business.

From Barron's • Jan. 16, 2026

Capital markets were modernized through improved data access and standardized capital classifications — but human capital practices never underwent a comparable data revolution, and it can start now.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 13, 2026

The reason is that upward mobility requires what sociologists describe as the twin pillars of success: human capital and social capital.

From "Class Matters" by The New York Times