Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
poor labour force
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "poor labour force" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a workforce that is underqualified, underpaid, or lacking in skills or resources. Example: "The economic downturn has resulted in a poor labour force, struggling to meet the demands of the job market."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Encyclopedias
Alternative expressions(3)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
Another reason behind the nursing shortage in England is poor labour force planning in the early 1990s, during which the number of training posts was intentionally reduced.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
With an inadequate labour force, health care delivery is compromised and poor health indicators impact progress towards the Millennium Development Goals in South Africa.
Science
It was originally enacted in 1975 as a means of encouraging the poor into the labour force, and has been extended and expanded enthusiastically since by both parties, most recently by Mr Obama in 2009.
News & Media
The logic behind the flat personal exemptions in the tax code, and behind the earned-income tax credit, is that you end up with huge numbers of otherwise-dependent poor people entering the labour force and working productively if you tip the scales in their benefit.
News & Media
The fastest-growing group are those considered "middle class": they now represent 40% of the labour force in poor countries.
News & Media
In the 1946 51 cohort, indicators of poorer SES (financial hardship, reduced labour force participation, no occupational status) were clearly associated with the latent class representing continuing caring ('overall highest').
Science
Poor health is strongly associated with labour force exit [ 15- 17].
Science
"There are, of course, positive effects for the economy of Thailand, a country that needs a labour force from its poorer, neighbouring countries," she says.
News & Media
In the 1973 78 cohort, there was a clear association between indicators of poorer SES at baseline (financial hardship, reduced labour force participation) and latent classes representing continuing caring ('overall highest') and new caring ('low then increasing').
Science
As such, being part of a social network may increase the chances of labour force participation among those with poor health.
Science
Over 60% of poor families have at least one person in the labour force some of the time.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When describing a "poor labour force", be specific about the reasons for its deficiencies. For example, mention if it's due to lack of training, low education levels, or inadequate resources to provide a clearer picture.
Common error
Don't simply state that a country has a "poor labour force" without providing context or supporting data. Instead, specify which sectors are affected and what specific skills are lacking.
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "poor labour force" functions as a noun phrase where "poor" modifies the noun "labour force". It describes the quality or condition of the labour force, indicating that it is deficient in some way. Ludwig confirms its usability in describing a workforce lacking in skills or resources.
Frequent in
Science
38%
News & Media
37%
Encyclopedias
12%
Less common in
Formal & Business
6%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "poor labour force" is a common descriptor used to characterize a workforce that lacks essential skills, qualifications, or resources. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and appropriate for various contexts. The phrase appears frequently in science, news, and encyclopedic sources, indicating its relevance across different fields. While alternatives like "inadequate workforce" or "underqualified labor force" exist, the key is to provide specific details about the nature of the deficiencies to avoid vague generalizations. Understanding the context and implications of a "poor labour force" is crucial for addressing economic and social challenges effectively.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
inadequate workforce
Replaces "poor" with "inadequate", focusing on the deficiency in the workforce.
deficient labor pool
Substitutes "labour force" with "labor pool", highlighting a shortage or lack of skills.
underqualified labor force
Replaces "poor" with "underqualified", emphasizing the lack of necessary qualifications.
low-skilled workforce
Focuses on the skill level of the workforce, implying a lack of advanced skills.
struggling labor market
Shifts the focus to the labor market's difficulties, implying a problematic workforce.
weakened labor force
Describes the labour force as being weakened, possibly due to external factors.
unproductive labor force
Emphasizes the lack of productivity within the labor force.
disadvantaged workforce
Focuses on the disadvantages faced by the workforce, affecting its quality.
depleted workforce
Indicates a reduction in the size and potentially the quality of the workforce.
compromised labor pool
Highlights that the labor pool is negatively affected and not functioning optimally.
FAQs
How can I use "poor labour force" in a sentence?
You can use "poor labour force" to describe a workforce that lacks necessary skills or training. For example, "The country's economic growth is hindered by a "poor labour force"."
What are some alternatives to saying "poor labour force"?
Alternatives include "inadequate workforce", "underqualified labor force", or "low-skilled workforce", depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.
Is it more appropriate to say "poor labor force" or "weak labor force"?
The choice depends on the context. "Poor labor force" generally refers to a lack of skills or qualifications, while "weak labor force" might suggest a decline in the workforce's overall strength or availability.
What factors contribute to a "poor labour force"?
Factors can include inadequate education and training opportunities, lack of investment in skills development, and economic conditions that discourage participation in the workforce. All these can lead to a "poor labour force".
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested