skilled labor: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, business, technical, economic, journalistic
Quick answer
What does “skilled labor” mean?
Work that requires specialized training, expertise, or qualifications, typically involving manual or technical tasks.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Work that requires specialized training, expertise, or qualifications, typically involving manual or technical tasks.
A segment of the workforce characterized by individuals who possess specific, often certified, abilities acquired through training, education, or experience. In economics, it contrasts with unskilled or semi-skilled labor and is a key factor in production, innovation, and economic development.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: 'skilled labour' (UK) vs. 'skilled labor' (US). The term is equally common and carries the same core meaning in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, the term often carries positive connotations of quality, reliability, and economic value. In political/economic discourse, it can be part of debates about immigration policy, vocational training, and industrial strategy.
Frequency
High frequency in business, economics, and policy contexts in both the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “skilled labor” in a Sentence
Noun + of + skilled labor (e.g., a pool of skilled labor)Adjective + skilled labor (e.g., expensive skilled labor)Verb + skilled labor (e.g., to recruit skilled labor)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “skilled labor” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The government aims to skill the labour force through new apprenticeships.
- Companies are labouring to find skilled technicians.
American English
- The new program is designed to skill the labor force in advanced manufacturing.
- We are laboring under a misconception that skilled jobs are disappearing.
adverb
British English
- The cabinet was skilfully crafted by a team of experienced joiners.
- He worked skillfully and efficiently.
American English
- The engine was skillfully assembled by a team of veteran mechanics.
- She negotiates contracts skillfully.
adjective
British English
- The skilled-labour shortage is affecting the construction industry.
- He moved into a skilled manual trade.
American English
- The skilled-labor deficit is a top concern for manufacturers.
- She pursued a skilled-trade career as a welder.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Central to strategic planning: 'The expansion is contingent on securing reliable skilled labor.'
Academic
Used in economics and sociology to analyze labor markets, wage differentials, and human capital theory.
Everyday
Less common; might appear in news discussions about job markets or immigration: 'My brother is in skilled labor—he's a licensed electrician.'
Technical
Precise categorization in industries (construction, manufacturing, IT) based on certifications and apprenticeships.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “skilled labor”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “skilled labor”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “skilled labor”
- Using 'skilled labor' as a countable noun for one person (incorrect: 'He is a skilled labor.' Correct: 'He is a skilled laborer/worker.'). Confusing with 'hard labor' (penal punishment).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. While much skilled labor is blue-collar (e.g., electricians, plumbers), the term focuses on the required training and expertise. Some blue-collar jobs are semi-skilled or unskilled, and some skilled labor can be in white-collar technical roles (e.g., IT technicians).
No, it is a non-count, collective noun. To refer to an individual, use terms like 'skilled worker', 'skilled laborer', 'craftsman', or 'technician'.
'Skilled labor' typically emphasizes practical, hands-on expertise often gained through apprenticeships or vocational training. 'Professional' often implies a university degree, theoretical knowledge, and membership in a professional body (e.g., lawyers, doctors, architects). There is overlap in some technical fields.
It drives productivity, innovation, and quality in key sectors like manufacturing, construction, and technology. A strong skilled labor base attracts investment, supports infrastructure development, and reduces dependence on foreign expertise.
Work that requires specialized training, expertise, or qualifications, typically involving manual or technical tasks.
Skilled labor is usually formal, business, technical, economic, journalistic in register.
Skilled labor: in British English it is pronounced /ˌskɪld ˈleɪ.bər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌskɪld ˈleɪ.bɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The salt of the earth (can refer to skilled, dependable workers)”
- “A safe pair of hands”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: SKILLED LABOR = SKILLS + LABOR. It's labor that isn't just effort; it's effort guided by certified SKILLS.
Conceptual Metaphor
SKILLED LABOR IS A VALUABLE COMMODITY / RESOURCE (traded, imported, in short supply). SKILLED LABOR IS THE FOUNDATION (of industry, of a strong economy).
Practice
Quiz
In an economic context, 'skilled labor' is primarily contrasted with: