labor market

American  

noun

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

---

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.

---

Etymology

Origin of labor market

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

labor market

One culprit may be a slowing labor market in manufacturing last year, alongside continued strong job and wage growth in services that employ relatively more women.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 16, 2026

“Elevated mortgage rates, softening labor market conditions, tariff-driven construction-cost pressures, higher energy prices and persistent geopolitical uncertainty are collectively weighing on housing activity — spanning construction, sales, affordability and mortgage performance,” the ratings agency said.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 14, 2026

But traders add that there are a number of other factors pushing yields higher, such a solid labor market, swollen U.S. budget deficits and a deluge of tech-company debt issuance competing for investors’ cash.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 9, 2026

Working class women are facing a labor market far more unstable than in the last election cycle, and they’re looking for candidates who understand that, voters told The 19th.

From Salon ● Sep. 9, 2026

A half an hour or so of Web research revealed an agreeably tight labor market, with entry-level jobs advertised at $8 an hour or more and studio apartments for $400 or less.

From "Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America" by Barbara Ehrenreich