skilled labor

American  

noun

1. labor that requires special training for its satisfactory performance.

2. the workers employed in such labor.

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Etymology

Origin of skilled labor

First recorded in 1770–80

Example Sentences

But U.S. firms proved reluctant due to the company’s tarnished reputation, in addition to Congo’s poor infrastructure, limited skilled labor, resource nationalism and reputation for government corruption.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

Some tech leaders attribute the drop in industry employment mostly to overhiring following the pandemic, when skilled labor was hard to obtain and retain.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 1, 2026

Only a handful of emerging economies combine digital capability, a skilled labor force, and a meaningful export base in tech.

From Barron's • Dec. 22, 2025

If we reframe parenthood as a form of skilled labor instead of an innate instinct, we can find room for both men and women to excel as parents.

From Slate • Jun. 15, 2025

Industrial expansion was being increasingly restrained by the inadequacy of domestic raw material and skilled labor resources.

From Area Handbook for Bulgaria by Baluyut, Violeta D.