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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Automating repetitive tasks, streamlining workflows and improving operational efficiency can free up human capital for more strategic initiatives.
—Serge Lucio, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
The Declaration of Independence recognizes that human capital eclipses all other forms of wealth and that the end of government and civil society is justice, not building grand pyramids or mindlessly traveling to Mars.
—Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 31 July 2025
Parenting also becomes more labor-intensive, because developed countries tend to put a greater premium on education and human capital, which require more effort and attention from parents.
—New York Times, 24 July 2025
Why Global Black Maternal Health Is an Economic Growth Issue
Global Black maternal health sits at the intersection of public health, human capital and economic growth.
—Sughnen Yongo, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025
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Serge Lucio, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
The Declaration of Independence recognizes that human capital eclipses all other forms of wealth and that the end of government and civil society is justice, not building grand pyramids or mindlessly traveling to Mars.
—Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 31 July 2025
Parenting also becomes more labor-intensive, because developed countries tend to put a greater premium on education and human capital, which require more effort and attention from parents.
—New York Times, 24 July 2025
Why Global Black Maternal Health Is an Economic Growth Issue
Global Black maternal health sits at the intersection of public health, human capital and economic growth.
—Sughnen Yongo, Forbes.com, 18 July 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 7 Aug. 2025.
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