Definition

1. Noun:
   • The total number of people available for work: The "labor force" refers to the portion of a population that is employed or actively seeking employment. It is the pool of individuals from which workers are drawn.

Usage

• The term "labor force" is used in economic, business, and sociological contexts to discuss employment, unemployment, and the availability of workers.
• It is often modified by adjectives (e.g., , ) or used with prepositions (e.g., , ).

Examples

• Noun:
  • A strong economy depends on a well-educated labor force.
  • The report analyzed the participation of women in the labor force.
  • Technological changes can displace workers from the labor force.

Advanced Usage

• "to join the labor force": to begin working or seeking work.
  • After graduating, she will join the labor force.
• "labor force participation rate": the percentage of the working-age population that is part of the labor force.
  • The labor force participation rate is a key economic indicator.

Variants and Related Words

• Workforce (n): A very close synonym, often used interchangeably with "labor force."
  • The company is investing in training its workforce.
• Labor pool (n): A similar concept emphasizing the available workers.
  • The factory relocated to an area with a larger labor pool.

Synonyms

• Workforce: The body of people engaged in or available for work.
• Manpower: The number of people working or available for work.

Related Phrases

• Labor market (n): The geographical area or conceptual space where workers and employers interact.
  • The current labor market is very competitive.

Noun

1. the source of trained people from which workers can be hired