cheap labor force

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cheap labor force" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the availability of low-cost workers in a specific industry or region. Example: "Many companies relocate their operations to countries with a cheap labor force to reduce production costs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

The Chinese are attracted to Egypt's massive market for cheap consumer goods and an expansive and relatively cheap labor force.

The New York Times

Even though some of them were academics and many are educated, they represent a cheap labor force.

The New Yorker

Japan is eager to tap into Myanmar's cheap labor force and extend its extensive network of factories in the region spanning Thailand and Indochina.

The New York Times

Hyundai said it was seeking to move many labor-intensive industries to the complex to capitalize on North Korea's cheap labor force.

The New York Times

For China, having spent the last three decades building the nation on the back of its cheap labor force without having to pay too much attention to its welfare, all this is uncharted territory.

The New York Times

This discrimination — which corrals covered women into a marginal, cheap labor force — suggests a reason why my city borough is happier to display an uncovered woman working the phones rather than one who wears a headscarf.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

But now there are lots of cases of trafficking for cheap labor, forced labor, trafficking for marriage, trafficking for organ transplants.

The New York Times

Among many developing countries that actively participate in textiles and apparel trade, the Indian textile industry is exhibiting significant growth potential in the global market with its advantage as low production costs, abundant resources of raw material and cheap labor forces.

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

They point to Actavis' activities in other countries where it operates with a significantly cheaper labor force.

The Guardian

In his current role, Alan is a consultant, travelling across the world to sell a software program, but for decades he worked for a bike manufacturer, first as a salesman and then as an executive, overseeing the company's American production lines before moving its factories overseas in the search for a cheaper labor force.

The New Yorker

Do you think you're being passed over in favor of a younger, cheaper labor force?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use more specific and neutral terms like "low-wage workforce" or "affordable labor pool" to avoid negative connotations associated with "cheap labor force".

Common error

Avoid using "cheap labor force" without acknowledging the potential for worker exploitation. Ensure your writing reflects awareness of fair labor practices.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cheap labor force" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI highlights, it describes a workforce characterized by low labor costs. This usage is confirmed by examples across diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cheap labor force" is a grammatically correct noun phrase commonly used to describe a workforce where labor costs are significantly lower than average. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is most frequently found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. While accurate, it's essential to acknowledge potential ethical implications and consider alternatives like "low-wage workforce" or "affordable labor pool" to avoid negative connotations. When using "cheap labor force", be mindful of the context and strive for balance, and be aware of worker's conditions and fair wages.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

low-wage workforce

Focuses on the wage level rather than the cost to employers.

inexpensive labor pool

Emphasizes the readily available supply of affordable workers.

affordable workforce

Highlights the affordability of the workers from a business perspective.

economical labor

Stresses the cost-effectiveness of the labor.

low-cost labor resources

Highlights the labor as a business resource.

bargain labor

Implies that the labor is obtained at a reduced price or discount.

underpaid workers

Highlights the ethical concern of low compensation.

exploitable workforce

Emphasizes the potential for unfair treatment due to low wages.

labor available at reduced rates

Focuses on the reduced price of labor and its availability.

sweatshop labor

Specifically refers to labor in exploitative working conditions.

FAQs

How can I use "cheap labor force" in a sentence?

You can use "cheap labor force" to describe a workforce where labor costs are significantly lower than average, such as, "Many manufacturing companies relocate to countries with a "cheap labor force" to reduce production costs".

What are some alternatives to "cheap labor force"?

Some alternatives to "cheap labor force" include "low-wage workforce", "affordable labor pool", or "economical labor", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use the term "cheap labor force" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, the term "cheap labor force" can be perceived as insensitive. Consider using more neutral alternatives like "low-cost labor resources" or "affordable workforce" in formal contexts.

What's the difference between "cheap labor force" and "exploitable workforce"?

"Cheap labor force" refers to the low cost of labor, while "exploitable workforce" implies a situation where workers are being taken advantage of due to low wages or poor working conditions. The latter carries a more negative connotation.