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 engine of most modern companies is driven by human capital.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 13, 2026

Those are where China’s cost advantages are high, such as in power and human capital, and where government support is strong, such as in semiconductor design and manufacturing.

From Barron's • Dec. 22, 2025

“They’re dealing with a crisis right now and it is a very, very difficult and heavy toll at a time where we have less human capital at schools.”

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 9, 2025

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