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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 Every job that leaves Colorado and the United States because of excessive government regulation goes to places like China, which produces goods with dirty coal and forced labor. The Denver Post, 11 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for forced labor 

Dictionary Entries Near forced labor

Cite this Entry

“Forced labor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forced%20labor. Accessed 12 Nov. 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
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