indentured

USAGE SUMMARY

"indentured" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to a person who has signed a contract to work for another person for a fixed period of time in return for payment or other benefits, usually in the form of transportation to a new country. For example: "The immigrants arriving in the United States in the 19th century were often indentured servants, working to repay their passage with years of labor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

About 43% of the former British colony's 750,000 inhabitants are descended from Indian indentured labourers; 31% from African slaves.

The Economist

But a lack of substantive reform left the farmers effectively indentured to the state.

The Economist

Descendants of Indian, Javanese and Hakka Chinese indentured labourers have evolved their own local tongues.

The Economist

Trinidad's population of 1.3m is split roughly equally between the descendants of African slaves and those of Indian indentured labourers.

The Economist

More than four decades of research puts the total estimated volume of slaves exported at roughly 11-12m betheen the 15th and 19th centuries.Joe AvitableRochester, New YorkSIR – During the 19th century slavery continued as "indentured labour", used as a factor of production by colonial trading companies in concert with local agents.

The Economist

Knowing the precarious nature of the Asians' status in the country, their employers can easily bully H1-B people to accept lousy pay deals ("indentured servitude", whines one).

The Economist

He had virtually no education and at 12 was indentured to an uncle who beat him often.

The Economist

In Trinidad and Guyana, descendants of Indian indentured labourers outnumber the black population.

The Economist

Now celebrating his 21st birthday, Frederic was in his youth indentured to a band of pirates.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The entire country observes Abolition of Slavery Day on February 1, Republic Day on March 12, Labour Day on May 1, and Arrival of Indentured Laborers Day on November 2. Interest in arts and letters and the sciences is promoted by voluntary associations, and the island has produced talented poets and novelists.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Perhaps as many as half of all the white settlers in North America were indentured servants, who agreed to work for someone (the purchaser of the indenture) upon arrival to pay for their passage.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "indentured", ensure the context clearly indicates a formal agreement for service in exchange for something of value, such as passage or training. This word often carries historical connotations of forced or semi-forced labor.

Common error

Avoid using "indentured" to describe standard employment relationships. The term carries historical weight related to exploitative labor practices and should only be applied where there's a clear parallel to those conditions.

Linguistic Context

The word "indentured" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a state of being bound by an indenture, a type of contract. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is used to refer to a person who has signed a contract to work for another person for a fixed period of time in return for payment or other benefits.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

43%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "indentured" primarily serves as an adjective signifying a state of being bound by a contract for labor or service. While considered grammatically correct, as Ludwig AI states, it carries strong historical connotations linked to exploitative labor practices, particularly in the context of "indentured servitude". Its usage spans across various domains, predominantly in News & Media and Encyclopedias. When using "indentured", you have to make sure that the context reflects the historical and formal implications. It is advisable to use the word only when appropriate. Alternatives like "bound by indenture" or "under contract" can provide similar meanings while possibly avoiding the historical baggage. By understanding its function, purpose, and potential pitfalls, one can effectively employ "indentured" in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

indentured servant

Focuses specifically on the individual and their state of servitude under the agreement. Has more of a historical load.

bound by indenture

This alternative emphasizes the legal obligation created by the indenture agreement.

contractually obligated

Emphasizes the legally binding nature of the service requirement.

under contract

A more general term indicating a formal agreement is in place.

obligated to serve

Highlights the duty to provide service as part of the agreement.

bound to service

Highlights the commitment to a period of labor or duty.

under bond

Suggests a financial or legal guarantee backing the obligation.

labor-contracted

This highlights that labor is provided according to contractual terms.

legally bound

A broader term indicating a general legal obligation.

term-bound

Emphasizes that the labor or service is bound to a pre-determined term or duration.

FAQs

How does the meaning of "indentured" differ from "enslaved"?

"Indentured" implies a contractual agreement, though often exploitative, where labor is exchanged for something of value, while enslavement involves forced labor without any agreement or compensation. An "indentured servant" enters an agreement, even if under duress, while an enslaved person does not.

Can I use "indentured" to describe modern employment contracts?

Using "indentured" for typical modern employment contracts can be misleading and insensitive. The term is best reserved for situations that mirror historical "indentured servitude", where workers are bound by contracts that heavily favor the employer and often involve exploitative conditions.

What are some historical examples of "indentured" labor?

Historical examples of "indentured" labor include European immigrants working to pay off their passage to the Americas, and Indian laborers brought to various colonies to work on plantations after the abolition of slavery. These "indentured laborers" were bound by contracts to work for a specified period.

What is the difference between "indentured" and "bonded" labor?

"Indentured" labor typically involves a contract where someone works to repay a debt, often for passage or other expenses. "Bonded" labor, while similar, often involves a debt that is passed down through generations, trapping families in cycles of servitude. Both "bonded labor" and "indentured" labor are forms of forced labor, but the mechanisms of debt and obligation differ.