manpower
nounEtymology From man + power.
1
The total number of all available workers; the workforce.
- Near-synonyms: human resources, personnel
- phased increases in manpower
2 more examples
- The closure is stated officially to be solely due to the manpower position.1944 July and August, “Notes and News: Crystal Palace Line Closed”, in Railway Magazine, page 248:
- Since manpower represents so high a proportion of railway costs, attention by management to the study of work procedures with a view to better utilisation of—"and indeed greater rewards for"—the manpower employed was of special importance, said Mr. Blee.1959 May, “Talking of Trains: L.M. passenger plan coming”, in Trains Illustrated, page 233:
2
The power exerted by a single person.
- canals dug entirely by manpower
- Related terms
- human-powered, man-powered, manpowered, hand crank, handcrank, pedal, treadle