human resources

American  

[hyoo-muhn ree-sawr-sis, ree-zawr-siz, yoo-muhn] / ˈhju mən ˈri sɔr sɪs, ˈri zɔr sɪz, ˈju mən /

noun

1. (used with a plural verb) people, especially the personnel employed by a given company, institution, or the like.

2. (used with a singular verb) human resources department.

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human resources British  

plural noun

1. 1. the workforce of an organization

   2. ( as modifier )

      human-resources management

      human-resources officer

2. 1. the office or department in an organization that interviews, appoints, or keeps records of employees

   2. ( as modifier )

      a human-resources consultancy

3. the contribution to an employing organization which its workforce could provide in effort, skills, knowledge, etc

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Etymology

Origin of human resources

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

human resources

“Like many companies in our industry, we have experienced changes in customer purchasing patterns and production volumes,” Laura Bream, the company’s vice president of human resources, said in a statement.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 14, 2026

Software stocks have been battered by concerns of artificial intelligence threatening traditional software-as-a-service business models, with new products from the likes of Anthropic boasting capabilities in cybersecurity, human resources and more.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 13, 2026

The phenomenon is becoming so commonplace it made the agenda of human resources organization SHRM’s national conference in June.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 2, 2026

It says this will be delivered through plans, among other things, to automate 20% of the MoD's human resources and finance departments by 2028 and by cutting spending on consultants.

From BBC ● Jul. 1, 2026

When I say run a company, I mean keeping track of inventory, staying in touch with customers, recruiting, project management, product development, scheduling, budgeting, and human resources.

From "The World Is Flat" by Thomas L. Friedman