labour force

The labour force is working together to build a new community center.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • The total number of workers available: "labour force" refers to all the people who are employed or available for work in a particular company, industry, or country. It includes both those currently working (employees) and those actively seeking work (the unemployed).
   • The working population: In economics, "labour force" denotes the segment of the population aged 15 and older (or a specific age range) that is either employed or unemployed but actively looking for work. It excludes students, retirees, and others not seeking employment.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The company's labour force has grown by 10% this year. (The total number of workers employed by the company increased.)
  • A skilled labour force is essential for economic development. (A workforce with specialized abilities is necessary for growth.)
  • The government is trying to increase the labour force participation rate. (The proportion of people working or seeking work is being encouraged to rise.)

Advanced Usage

• "labour force participation rate": the percentage of the working-age population that is in the labour force.

  • Many countries have seen a decline in the labour force participation rate due to aging populations. (Fewer older people are working or looking for work.)

• "labour force survey": a statistical study that collects data on employment, unemployment, and workforce characteristics.

  • The monthly labour force survey provides key insights into the job market. (The survey tracks employment trends.)

Variants and Related Words

• Labour (n): work, especially physical or manual work.

  • The job requires hard labour. (Intense physical work is needed.)

• Workforce (n): a synonym for "labour force", often used interchangeably.

  • The workforce is diverse and well-trained. (The group of workers is varied and skilled.)

• Labourer (n): a person who does physical work, especially in construction or farming.

  • Labourers are building the new road. (Manual workers are constructing it.)

Synonyms

• Workforce: the total number of people employed or available for work.
• Employees: people who work for a company or organization.
• Working population: the portion of the population engaged in or seeking paid work.

Related Idioms

• "a labour of love": work done for personal satisfaction rather than financial gain.

  • Restoring the old house was a labour of love for the family. (They did it out of passion, not for money.)

• "to lose one's labour": to work without achieving the desired result.

  • He tried to fix the machine, but it was a loss of labour — it broke again. (His effort was wasted.)