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

In 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

All 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.

Examples of human capital in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Every decision, high-stakes conversation, potential crisis, human capital evaluation, and various other intricate problems add cognitive load throughout the day. —Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026

The value of the ISS isn’t just the construction costs — its value is the intellectual property and data generated, the technological advancements and infrastructure, the human capital and expertise, and the developing market for future low-Earth orbit (LEO) activities. —Tejpaul Bhatia, Fortune, 20 May 2026

In modern America, the three strongest predictors of whether a city thrives or dies is median January temperature, public safety and the human capital of its people. —Jens Ludwig, Chicago Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026

The human capital management firm that manages hiring, onboarding, benefits and compensation services for roughly two-thirds of Fortune 500 companies, meaning that the business is highly entrenched within the largest U.S. corporations. —Sarah Min, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1799, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for human capital

• capitol
• noncapital