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

He had hoped to become a political or policy analyst after graduation, but fierce competition in the entry-level job market has forced him to broaden his search to areas like human resources.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 4, 2026

Multiple media outlets are reporting that the move is connected to a complaint filed to UNC’s human resources department.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 27, 2026

"We need to surge our response, and surging our response means financial resources, human resources," Wessam said.

From Barron's ● Jul. 9, 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

Her father had, finally, found a job, as the deputy director of human resources in one of the new banks.

From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie