forced labor

noun

1

: very hard physical work that someone is forced to do

The prisoners endured years of forced labor.

2

: a group of people who are made to work very hard for no money

also : a system that allows this

The railroad was built with/by forced labor.

Examples of forced labor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Supporters say forced labor in state prisons is a vestige of slavery and that the practice disproportionately affects people of color. —Andre Mouchard, Orange County Register, 5 Nov. 2024

Supporters say forced labor in prison is a form of slavery. —Hannah Wiley, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2024

But with that reach may come some risk; Shein has been criticized and probed by global regulators, consumers and organizations over product safety concerns, potential forced labor infractions and data questions. —Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 30 Oct. 2024

This included forcing them to assimilate to European culture, eradicating their traditions and subjecting them to forced labor and beatings. —Shawna Chen, Axios, 11 Oct. 2024

Legal Definition

forced labor

noun

: the act of providing or obtaining the labor of a person by use of or threat of force, physical restraint, serious harm (as physical, psychological, financial, or reputational), or abuse of legal process