skilled labor

noun

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

2. the workers employed in such labor.

Word History and Origins

Origin of skilled labor¹

First recorded in 1770–80

Example Sentences

Today’s promising examples—semiconductors in Arizona, advanced textiles in Massachusetts, electric vehicles in Michigan—depend on innovation, skilled labor, low interest rates and complex global supply chains.

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“It was pretty darn easy to get a B.A., costs hadn’t started to go up, the market was hungry for skilled labor.”

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If tariffs are able to create new investment, finding skilled labor may be a challenge.

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In its place, a new system gave priority to family reunification and skilled labor, unintentionally setting the stage for large-scale immigration from Asia, Latin America and Africa.

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And although skilled labor shortages persist in the U.S., pharmaceutical training demands are lower than those in high-tech sectors.

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