forced labor

USAGE SUMMARY

"forced labor" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a situation or situation in which a person is compelled to work against their will, such as in a prison or under oppressive conditions. For example, "In some parts of the world, many people are still subject to forced labor practices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Videotaped raw footage of interviews with historians and Soviet forced labor camp survivors, relating to forced labor camps in the Soviet Union.

Stanford University

Ending forced labor.

The New York Times

Yet there's no evidence of forced labor.

The New Yorker

"The government says it is forced labor".

The New York Times

We were immediately put to forced labor.

The New York Times

But a relatively small amount of forced labor is still forced labor.

The Washington Post

There have been some efforts to reduce forced labor.

The New Yorker

The men of our family were ordered into forced labor.

The New York Times

But is the phone being built by forced labor?

The New York Times

It was hard work, poor nutrition and forced labor".

The New York Times

The recruiter's accomplices tried to sell him into forced labor.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "forced labor" in conjunction with related terms like "human trafficking" and "modern slavery" to provide a comprehensive understanding of the issue.

Common error

Avoid using "forced labor" interchangeably with general unfair labor practices, such as low wages or excessive working hours. "Forced labor" specifically refers to work performed involuntarily under threat or coercion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "forced labor" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing the concept of work performed involuntarily. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

35%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "forced labor" is a noun phrase that describes work performed involuntarily under threat or coercion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific domains. Related phrases include "involuntary servitude" and "compulsory work". It is important to use the term accurately, distinguishing it from general unfair labor practices. Key aspects to consider when writing about "forced labor" include specifying affected industries and regions, and understanding the relevant legal definitions. Ludwig AI confirms that "forced labor" is a very common phrase, signaling the importance of understanding and addressing this critical issue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

involuntary servitude

Focuses on the state of being held in servitude against one's will, a key aspect of "forced labor".

compulsory work

Highlights the mandatory nature of the work being performed, similar to "forced labor".

unfree labor

Emphasizes the lack of freedom in the labor arrangement, capturing the essence of "forced labor".

coerced labor

Underscores the element of coercion involved in compelling someone to work, as in "forced labor".

exploitative labor

Highlights the exploitative nature of the work arrangement where individuals are taken advantage of, resembling "forced labor".

slave labor

Implies ownership and complete control over the individual performing the work, a severe form of "forced labor".

indentured servitude

Refers to a specific type of "forced labor" where individuals are bound by a contract, often involving debt.

obligatory service

Stresses the duty or requirement to perform work, which can be a component of "forced labor".

trafficked labor

Highlights the element of human trafficking involved in procuring "forced labor".

bonded labor

Emphasizes the concept of debt bondage, where labor is used as repayment for a debt, similar to some forms of "forced labor".

FAQs

How does the international community define "forced labor"?

The International Labour Organization (ILO) defines "forced labor" as all work or service which is exacted from any person under the menace of any penalty and for which the person has not offered himself voluntarily.

What are some of the indicators of "forced labor"?

Indicators of "forced labor" include restriction of movement, withholding of wages, physical or sexual violence, intimidation and threats, and debt bondage.

What are some alternatives to "forced labor"?

You can use alternatives like "involuntary servitude", "compulsory work", or "unfree labor" depending on the context.

What laws exist to combat "forced labor"?

Many countries have laws against "forced labor" and human trafficking, such as the Trafficking Victims Protection Act in the United States. International conventions, like those of the ILO, also aim to prevent and suppress "forced labor".