human capital
noun
: the skills, knowledge, and qualifications of a person, group, or workforce considered as economic assets
Nothing is more important to a company, nation, or individual than intelligence. It is the fundamental key to problem-solving and wealth creation, and underpins the human capital that drives every company and nation forward.—
Peter H. Diamandis
Peter H. DiamandisIn fact, the evidence suggests that public investments in human capital, including higher education, yield long-term economic rates of return that far exceed most standard investments in technology or capital.—Edward L. Glaeser
Edward L. GlaeserAll of this coincided with the emergence in academe of the idea of "human capital": the notion that the more skilled the work force, the more productive it tends to be.—Denis P. Doyle et al.
Denis P. Doyle et al.Examples of human capital in a Sentence
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That is, investment in R&D and human capital in SG&A lines are expensed as per US GAAP.
—Shivaram Rajgopal, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
And comprehensive immigration reform is essential to ensure that the United States has the human capital required for industry and for maximizing the odds that the next strategically important innovation happens at home.
—Sadek Wahba, Foreign Affairs, 4 Sep. 2025
Though results vary by individual, many organizations now see breathwork as an investment in human capital—not merely a wellness trend.
—Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 29 Aug. 2025
African countries need to develop their natural resources and human capital, finding ways to make financial returns on investments while also caring deeply for workers.
—Felicia Appenteng, semafor.com, 18 Aug. 2025
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Shivaram Rajgopal, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
And comprehensive immigration reform is essential to ensure that the United States has the human capital required for industry and for maximizing the odds that the next strategically important innovation happens at home.
—Sadek Wahba, Foreign Affairs, 4 Sep. 2025
Though results vary by individual, many organizations now see breathwork as an investment in human capital—not merely a wellness trend.
—Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 29 Aug. 2025
African countries need to develop their natural resources and human capital, finding ways to make financial returns on investments while also caring deeply for workers.
—Felicia Appenteng, semafor.com, 18 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for human capital
Cite this Entry
“Human capital.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/human%20capital. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.
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