light industry

American  

[lahyt in-duh-stree] / ˈlaɪt ˈɪn də stri /

noun

light industries plural

1. a manufacturing sector or activity that uses relatively small amounts of power, raw materials, and space, typically having a smaller environmental impact and producing goods that are easier to transport (contrasted with heavy industry).

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• light industrial
  adjective
• light-industry
  adjective

Inflected Forms

noun

• light industries
  plural

Example Sentences

Using tax breaks and other incentives, the United States has attempted to build up first light industry, then a petrochemical economy, and later pharmaceuticals and electronics.

From Washington Post • Jan. 12, 2023

The report specified the main goals for 2023 in key sectors including metal, chemical, electricity, construction, agriculture and light industry, it added.

From Reuters • Dec. 26, 2022

Today, inmates typically work in light industry, like sewing military uniforms, rather than mining or timber, as in the Soviet days.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 5, 2021

This didn’t seem so crazy when the city had ample federal help and a thriving economy based on light industry like clothing manufacturing and its enormous port.

From Slate • Sep. 25, 2020

The country has embarked upon an industrial policy   designed to diversify the economy away from overdependence on the   oil sector by developing light industry.

From The 2006 CIA World Factbook by United States. Central Intelligence Agency