division of labor: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal / Academic
Quick answer
What does “division of labor” mean?
The assignment of different parts of a production process or set of tasks to different people or groups to increase efficiency.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The assignment of different parts of a production process or set of tasks to different people or groups to increase efficiency.
Any systematic allocation of specific roles, responsibilities, or functions within a group, organization, or system to optimize performance and outcomes.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: UK 'division of labour', US 'division of labor'. The concept is equally central in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral to positive in economics (efficiency); can carry negative connotations in social critique (alienation, monotony).
Frequency
High frequency in academic and business contexts in both regions; slightly more common in US economic discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “division of labor” in a Sentence
[division of labour] + [between/among] + [agents][division of labour] + [within] + [organization/group]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “division of labor” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The tasks were carefully divided according to the principle of the division of labour.
- We need to divide the labour more effectively on this project.
American English
- The work was divided based on a clear division of labor.
- They labor under a highly specialized division of tasks.
adverb
British English
- The team worked divisively, following a strict division of labour.
- The project was organised division-of-labour-style.
American English
- They operated in a labor-divided manner.
- Tasks were allocated division-of-labor-wise.
adjective
British English
- The division-of-labour approach increased our efficiency.
- They adopted a highly labour-divided system.
American English
- A division-of-labor strategy is key to scaling the business.
- The labor-divided structure became overly complex.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In our firm, a clear division of labour between departments prevents overlap and improves accountability.
Academic
Smith's analysis of the pin factory illustrates the productivity gains from the division of labour.
Everyday
In our household, we have a division of labour: I cook, and my partner handles the laundry.
Technical
The modular design of the software reflects a strict division of labour among development teams.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “division of labor”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “division of labor”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “division of labor”
- Using 'labour division' (less common word order).
- Confusing with 'separation of powers' (a political concept).
- Misspelling 'labor/labour' inconsistently within a text.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are closely related. Specialisation is the result or state of focusing on a narrow task, while division of labour is the process or system of allocating different tasks to different specialists.
Yes, it's commonly used in sociology, biology (e.g., cell specialisation), management, and even everyday contexts like household chores.
Karl Marx and others argued it leads to worker alienation, as individuals perform repetitive, fragmented tasks disconnected from the final product, reducing job satisfaction.
No, the meaning is identical. 'Labour' is the British English spelling, 'labor' is the American English spelling. Consistency within a text is important.
The assignment of different parts of a production process or set of tasks to different people or groups to increase efficiency.
Division of labor is usually formal / academic in register.
Division of labor: in British English it is pronounced /dɪˈvɪʒən əv ˈleɪbə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /dɪˈvɪʒən əv ˈleɪbər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's all about the division of labour.”
- “A classic case of division of labour.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of an assembly line in a car factory: one person fits wheels, another installs seats – a perfect DIVISION OF LABOR.
Conceptual Metaphor
SYSTEM AS BODY WITH ORGANS (each organ has a specialised function; together they form a working whole).
Practice
Quiz
Which of these is NOT a typical benefit of division of labour?