workforce

noun

work·​force ˈwərk-ˌfȯrs How to pronounce workforce (audio)
Synonyms of workforce
1
: the workers engaged in a specific activity or enterprise
the factory's workforce
2
: the number of workers potentially assignable for any purpose
the nation's workforce

Synonyms of workforce

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Examples of workforce in a Sentence

We have a workforce of 2,400 people. the office's entire workforce is devoted to a single project right now
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Staff morale is low amid the drip-drip of redundancy announcements, which follows the BBC’s workforce contracting by 10% since 2020. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 24 Oct. 2026 The report also anticipates continued shortages in technical and skilled labor, alongside closer integration of recruitment, learning and development, and workforce planning. — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026 Amex is eliminating 5% of its global workforce and taking a $336 million restructuring charge, CEO Stephen Squeri told analysts Friday on the company's third-quarter earnings call. — Hugh Son, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026 Already, those results are shaping the award’s upcoming nomination round, which will include climate adaptation and workforce transition among its priorities. — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for workforce

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of workforce was in 1866

Rhymes for workforce

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Browse Nearby Words

workfolk
workforce
workful
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Cite this Entry

“Workforce.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/workforce. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

workforce

noun
work·​force ˈwərk-ˌfō(ə)rs How to pronounce workforce (audio)
-ˌfȯ(ə)rs
: the workers of a specific activity or business
the factory's workforce
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