full employment

British  

noun

1. a state in which the labour force and other economic resources of a country are utilized to their maximum

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full employment Cultural  

1. The condition that exists when all who want work can find jobs. Because some individuals will always be between jobs, full employment does not mean that one hundred percent of the workforce is employed. Rather, it is customarily defined as ninety-six percent of the total potential workforce.

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Example Sentences

That is the federal-funds rate considered to be neither stimulative nor restrictive — what would prevail if the economy were at full employment but not overheated, with inflation stable.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026

It’s a job market consistent with full employment but with very low growth and much less dynamism, leaving little cushion.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

Other economists think the economy is at full employment, with most workers who want one having a job.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

He can then safeguard the independence of the institution and do his part to ensure that U.S. firms and households have the lowest credible rates possible to promote full employment and stable prices.

From Barron's • Feb. 1, 2026

Sensibility and sympathy, when they have proper objects, and full employment, do not look for applause; they are sufficiently happy in their own enjoyments.

From Practical Education, Volume I by Edgeworth, Maria