low-cost labor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "low-cost labor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing employment, economics, or business practices that involve hiring workers at a lower wage. Example: "Many companies outsource their production to countries with low-cost labor to reduce expenses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

During its economic boom, Spain epitomized Europe's hunger for low-cost labor.

The New York Times

Ms. Bracco seems to believe that rich people's desire for low-cost labor supercedes laws.

The New York Times

But where others saw problems, she saw charm and low-cost labor.

The New York Times

The companies value India for its widespread use of English and low-cost labor.

The New York Times

An unfettered supply of low-cost labor has powered the robust growth enjoyed by Gulf economies.

The New York Times

"We're not replacing low-cost labor," said Brad Kayton, Vgo's chief executive.

The New York Times - Science

Carpet's bulk and weight make shipping expensive, and its production is highly mechanized, eliminating a vulnerability to low-cost labor.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

As a low-cost, labor-intensive process, textile manufacturing is one of the few industries in which developing countries are equipped to excel.

The New York Times

A second channel will be through the erosion of China's current competitive edge on low-cost labor-intensive manufacturing.

Huffington Post

That is, China's trade surplus with the United States is better explained by its low cost labor supply and limited consumer spending than the value of its currency.

Forbes

This shortage is met either by attracting skilled, but relatively low cost, labor from developing countries or by outsourcing work to them.

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing strategies for reducing operational costs, use "low-cost labor" to highlight the economic benefits of hiring workers at lower wages. For example, 'The company's decision to outsource production was driven by the need to access "low-cost labor" markets overseas.'

Common error

Be mindful of the ethical implications when discussing "low-cost labor". Avoid language that might suggest the exploitation of workers or disregard for fair labor practices. Frame the discussion within a context of economic efficiency and competitive advantage without dehumanizing the workforce.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "low-cost labor" functions as a noun phrase typically used as an object of a verb or preposition. It describes a factor influencing business decisions, economic policies, or production strategies, as illustrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

24%

Science

18%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "low-cost labor" is a common and grammatically correct term used in various contexts, primarily in business, economics, and news media, as confirmed by Ludwig. It describes a situation where labor is available at significantly lower wages. While the phrase is widely used, it's essential to be mindful of the potential ethical implications. Ludwig's analysis suggests using alternative phrases like "affordable workforce" to avoid negative connotations. Given its frequent use, understanding the nuances and ethical considerations surrounding "low-cost labor" is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cheap labor

Focuses on the affordability aspect, often implying minimal labor costs.

inexpensive labor

Directly indicates that the labor comes at a low price.

affordable workforce

Highlights the accessibility and cost-effectiveness of the entire workforce.

economical labor

Emphasizes the efficiency and cost-saving nature of the labor.

reduced labor expenses

Directly indicates lower expenses compared to the standard.

budget-friendly labor

Suggests that the labor costs are within a certain budgetary constraint.

competitive labor costs

Highlights the affordability of labor in a competitive market.

low-wage workers

Focuses on the workers and their lower salaries.

lean labor operations

Emphasizes streamlined processes and efficient use of labor to reduce costs.

value labor

Focuses on the balance between cost and the worth of the labor provided.

FAQs

How can I use "low-cost labor" in a sentence?

"Low-cost labor" is typically used to describe situations where businesses seek to reduce expenses by employing workers at lower wages. For example: "The factory relocated to benefit from "low-cost labor" in the region."

What are some alternatives to "low-cost labor"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "cheap labor", "affordable workforce", or "economical labor".

Is it acceptable to use the term "low-cost labor" in formal writing?

Yes, "low-cost labor" is acceptable in formal writing, especially in economic or business contexts. However, be aware of potential negative connotations related to labor exploitation and consider using more neutral terms like "affordable workforce" if necessary.

What is the difference between "low-cost labor" and "outsourcing"?

"Low-cost labor" refers to the availability of workers at lower wages, while "outsourcing" involves contracting work to an external organization, often in a different country, to reduce costs. Outsourcing may be motivated by the desire to access "low-cost labor", but it also encompasses other factors like specialized skills or infrastructure.