workforce
Americannoun
-
the total number of workers in a specific undertaking.
a holiday for the company's workforce.
-
the total number of people employed or employable.
a sharp increase in the nation's workforce.
noun
-
the total number of workers employed by a company on a specific job, project, etc
-
the total number of people who could be employed
the country's workforce is growing rapidly
Etymology
Origin of workforce
First recorded in 1940–45; work ( def. ) + force ( def. )
Explanation
The term workforce is useful when you talk about a group of people who work or are available to work. You might, for example, talk about the information technology workforce or the workforce in Austin, Texas. When you use the noun workforce, you are always talking about a lot of people, and you're usually referring to everyone in a particular industry or area. Economists often discuss the entire country's workforce, and you've probably heard about the auto industry workforce or the nursing workforce on the news. Workforce can be a singular or plural word, since it's used for a group of many individuals. It's been in use since the early 1960's.
Vocabulary lists containing workforce
The Modern Period, c. 1750 to c. 1914
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"Principles of Business," Vocabulary from Chapter 8
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Employment, List 3
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
British polymer manufacturer Victrex last week said it would reduce its workforce by 10% while warning that its profits may fall below expectations due to the elevated costs of energy and raw materials.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026
General Dynamics, which ramped up its Camden-based workforce after being awarded contracts in 2023 to produce more 155mm artillery rounds, is training its employees there to scan and test equipment for quality and safety.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 17, 2026
The Royal College of Nursing, meanwhile, says Murray must urgently tackle the depleted and undervalued nursing workforce.
From BBC • May 15, 2026
CEO Chuck Robbins told analysts Cisco’s technology is “more relevant than ever,” and a trimmer workforce frees resources for optics, silicon, and AI.
From Barron's • May 14, 2026
Fortunately, William was an early believer in the value of a diverse workforce, and he sought out talent wherever he could find it.
From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
