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

See Examples For:

human capital

“I think we’re missing the more important question: What is our ability to provide support? Do we have the human capital in place? I don’t have the answer.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 10, 2026

It lowers productivity and growth by obstructing the ability of human capital to find its best fit and by distorting consumption and investment patterns at the top.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 4, 2026

The United States still leads in private AI investment, but it has not matched that commitment with investment in the human capital needed to sustain it.

From MarketWatch ● May 27, 2026

Speaking to journalists before the presentation on Tuesday, Winters said: “It’s not cost cutting. It’s replacing in some cases lower-value human capital with the financial capital and the investment capital we’re putting in.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 20, 2026

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