labor market

American  

noun

1. the available supply of labor considered with reference to the demand for it.

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labor market Cultural  

1. An area of economic exchange in which workers seek jobs and employers seek workers. A “tight” labor market has more jobs than workers. In a “slack” labor market, the reverse is true.

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Etymology

Origin of labor market

First recorded in 1825–35

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

labor market

Unemployment remained close to a five-year high in the three months through July, with the labor market showing continued signs of softness.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 20, 2026

Across the country, Fed districts reported that the labor market is at a standstill, with most describing “little or no net change” in overall employment levels.

From Barron's ● Oct. 14, 2026

As the labor market shifts toward independent contracting, traditional employee benefits like health insurance, paid leave and emergency safety nets have moved out of reach for millions of workers.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 13, 2026

"The consumer is currently very healthy, primarily because of a healthy labor market," Barnum said.

From Barron's ● Oct. 13, 2026

With men being absorbed into the military services, with women already in demand by eager employers, the labor market was as exhausted as the war workers themselves.

From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly

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