Workers: meaning, definitions and examples

This term is often used in general contexts to refer to people who perform tasks or duties, particularly physical or manual tasks.

• The construction workers have been working overtime to complete the building.
• Factory workers often have long shifts.

This word is commonly used in formal or professional settings to refer to people who are hired by a company or organization and receive a salary in return for their work.

• All the employees are required to attend the monthly meeting.
• The company provides health insurance for its employees.

This term usually refers to people who do manual work, especially hard physical work. It may have a slightly different connotation depending on the context, often used for work that is low-paid or unskilled.

• Day laborers gathered at the entrance of the construction site.
• The field laborers worked from dawn till dusk.

This term is used to collectively refer to all employees within an organization, especially in a formal manner. It can be used in various professional settings.

• The hospital staff includes doctors, nurses, and support personnel.
• Our staff is dedicated to providing outstanding customer service.

Used to refer to individuals who are engaged in manual labor or low-skill jobs. It is a broad term that can apply to all types of work but is often used specifically for blue-collar jobs.

• The construction workers started their shift early in the morning.
• Factory workers often have to work in challenging conditions.

Used to refer to individuals who are hired and receive wages or salary for their work. This term is more formal and is commonly used in corporate or office environments.

• The company plans to provide health benefits to all of its employees.
• Employees are expected to attend the mandatory training session.

Refers to the total number of people who are employed or are actively seeking employment. This term is used in economic and sociological contexts and refers to a group rather than individuals.

• The size of the labor force increased significantly last year.
• Economic policies can have a direct impact on the labor force.

Similar to 'labor force,' but typically used to refer to the collective group of workers within a specific organization, industry, or geographic region.

• The company is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce.
• The local workforce has the skills necessary for high-tech manufacturing.

General term used to describe people who perform tasks, usually for wages. Can be used in most contexts without specific negative or positive connotations.

• The factory is hiring more workers to meet the increased demand.
• Healthcare workers are essential during the pandemic.

Used in political or sociological discussions to describe the working-class people, especially in the context of Marxist theory. It can have a historical or revolutionary connotation.

• The literature of the time often discusses the struggles of the proletariat against the bourgeoisie.
• In Marxist theory, the proletariat is destined to overthrow the capitalist system.

Typically refers to people doing physical or manual work, often in construction, agriculture, or similar fields. Can imply lower skilled work.

• The construction site requires more laborers to finish the project on time.
• Farm laborers worked long hours during the planting season.

Refers to the broader social class made up of people who work for wages, typically in manual or industrial work. Often used in socioeconomic discussions.

• The political candidate focused on issues important to the working-class voters.
• Housing prices are becoming unaffordable for the working class.