compulsory labor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "compulsory labor" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts discussing forced work or labor that is mandated by law or authority. For example, "The government implemented a policy of compulsory labor during the national emergency." Alternative expressions include "forced labor" and "mandatory labor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Today, the organization estimates that at least 12.3 million people, globally, are victims of compulsory labor.

The New Yorker

The writer Karel Capek introduced it in 1920, in his play "R.U.R.," and it comes from the Czech word robota, meaning "compulsory labor, drudgery, servitude".

The New Yorker

"The Supreme Court sentenced him to 15 years of compulsory labor for this crime," it cited KCNA, the North Korean news agency, as saying.

The New York Times

They are the right to organize and bargain collectively, the elimination of compulsory labor, the abolition of child labor and the ending of discrimination in employment.

The New York Times

(The word robot, coined by the Czech writer Karel Capek, comes from the Czech word robota, meaning compulsory labor like that of a serf).

The New York Times - Arts

In April 2010, the Coroners and Justice Act was introduced, making it an offense to conspire to hold someone in servitude and require that individual to carry out forced or compulsory labor.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

There are many more obligations that PintInox, S. p. A., has to fulfill on a periodic basis in comparison with the cheap Asian producers (e.g., prescribed probation period, equal opportunities, compulsory content of labor agreement, classification of work types in the metal industry and related remuneration).

Energy, Sustainability and Society

Refers to a person held by actual force, threats of force, or threats of legal coercion in a condition of slavery – compulsory service or labor against his or her will.

Wikipedia

As Arshad Mahmood observed in the newspaper Dawn, Pakistan needs to enact a child-protection law that would recognize children's rights under the Constitution and international conventions, enforce compulsory education, ban child labor and enact a national comprehensive child-protection policy with strict penalties for noncompliance.

The New York Times

The establishment of a separate court system for youths followed other progressive reforms, like compulsory education and child-labor laws, which extended the boundary of childhood.

The New Yorker

The New Yorker, October 17 , 1925P. 1 Fascisti establish compulsory arbitration for capital and labor.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing human rights violations or historical injustices, use "compulsory labor" to accurately describe systems of forced work.

Common error

Avoid using "compulsory work" interchangeably with "compulsory labor". While similar, "compulsory labor" carries a stronger connotation of exploitation and lack of free will, whereas "compulsory work" may refer to mandatory tasks that don't necessarily involve human rights abuses.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "compulsory labor" functions primarily as a noun phrase. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use as a subject or object in sentences concerning legal, ethical, or historical discussions of forced or mandated work.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

34%

Wiki

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "compulsory labor" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that describes forced or mandated work. Ludwig AI indicates it is most commonly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts. While similar phrases like "forced labor" and "mandatory work" exist, "compulsory labor" carries specific connotations related to human rights and ethical concerns. Remember to use "compulsory labor" to accurately portray contexts with a lack of free will. The phrase is employed across a wide variety of authoritative sources making it a reliable choice for formal and informal communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Forced labor

Emphasizes the lack of consent and coercion involved.

Enforced labor

Focuses on the act of enforcing or compelling the labor.

Mandatory work

Highlights the requirement and obligation aspect.

Coerced work

Highlights the use of coercion to obtain labor.

Unfree labor

Directly contrasts with the concept of free and voluntary labor.

Involuntary servitude

A more formal and legalistic term for forced labor.

Required service

Similar to obligatory service, but with a slightly less formal tone.

Obligatory service

Implies a duty or requirement to perform labor.

Bonded labor

Suggests labor performed as repayment for a debt or obligation.

Indentured servitude

A specific type of forced labor involving a contractual obligation.

FAQs

What is another way to say "compulsory labor"?

Alternatives include "forced labor", "mandatory work", or "involuntary servitude", depending on the specific context.

How does "compulsory labor" differ from "slavery"?

"Compulsory labor" refers to any work or service a person is forced to perform against their will, while slavery is a broader system of ownership and control over another person's life and labor. Slavery always includes "forced labor", but "compulsory labor" isn't always slavery.

What international laws address "compulsory labor"?

Several international conventions prohibit "compulsory labor", including the International Labour Organization (ILO) Forced Labour Convention (No. 29) and the Abolition of Forced Labour Convention (No. 105).

Is "compulsory labor" legal in any country today?

No, "compulsory labor" is illegal under international law. However, it unfortunately continues to exist in various forms, such as "forced labor" in supply chains and state-imposed forced labor.