using forced labor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'using forced labor' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in formal speaking and writing to refer to labor or work that is performed against a person's will, without fair compensation, or with the threat of violence, punishment, or other negative consequences if the labor is not done. For example, "The Human Rights Watch report revealed evidence of using forced labor in the country's garment factories."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

In April, a class-action lawsuit was filed against CoreCivic for using "forced labor" at a facility in Georgia.

The Guardian

It has been accused of torturing political opponents, using forced labor and condoning an illegal drug industry that is spreading addiction across Southeast Asia.

The New York Times

The judge ruled that while Unocal was aware that the military was using forced labor it had not conspired with the regime.

The New York Times

In the case, settled in 2004, 15 unidentified villagers sued the company for human-rights abuses, accusing it of collaborating with the Myanmar military to build a pipeline using forced labor.

The New York Times

At least two well-known mail-order companies in the former West Germany, Neckermann and Quelle, which have since run into financial trouble, have also been accused of using forced labor.

The New York Times

Thailand's junta leader has vowed to take legal action against companies using forced labor, after an Associated Press investigation revealed that fish caught by enslaved migrant workers was being exported from Thai ports to global markets.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

S.K.F. had factories in Nazi Germany that used forced labor.

The New York Times

The report warned that the military "habitually uses forced labor to construct roads".

The New York Times

Companies like Ford and G.M. have long conceded that their German factories used forced labor.

The New York Times

In 1548, when Augustinian friars arrived to convert the local Otomi, they used forced labor to build this church.

The New Yorker

Many argue that they did not use forced labor and that they were bankrupt in the war.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "using forced labor", provide specific details about the industry, location, and the affected population to increase the impact and credibility of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using the term "using forced labor" loosely to describe situations of low wages or poor working conditions. Ensure that the situation involves coercion, threats, or involuntary servitude to accurately use the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "using forced labor" typically functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action or practice related to compelling individuals to work against their will. Ludwig confirms its usability in describing such situations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

21%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "using forced labor" is a grammatically sound and readily understandable way to describe situations involving involuntary servitude. As Ludwig AI affirms, it effectively conveys the unethical nature of compelling individuals to work against their will under threat or coercion. While the phrase appears most commonly in news and media, and academic contexts, it's essential to avoid using it loosely and ensure the situation genuinely involves forced or coerced labor. Remember to provide specific details about the context and affected population when using this phrase. Alternatives like "employing coerced work" or "engaging in involuntary servitude" can offer nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

employing coerced work

Replaces "forced labor" with "coerced work", emphasizing the involuntary nature of the labor.

exploiting compulsory service

Substitutes "using" with "exploiting" and "forced labor" with "compulsory service", highlighting the exploitative aspect.

engaging in involuntary servitude

Replaces the entire phrase with a more formal term, "involuntary servitude".

practicing slave labor

Replaces "forced labor" with "slave labor", indicating a severe form of exploitation.

utilizing indentured service

Similar to "using forced labor", but specifies "indentured service", implying a contract, even if exploitative.

leveraging captive workforce

Replaces "using" with "leveraging" and "forced labor" with "captive workforce", indicating control over the workers.

imposing mandatory labor

Focuses on the imposition of labor against the will of the workers.

administering forced labour

A variation using British English spelling and emphasizing administration of the practice.

subjecting to bonded labor

Highlights the act of subjecting individuals to "bonded labor", a specific type of forced servitude.

enforcing unfree work

Emphasizes the lack of freedom in the labor arrangement.

FAQs

How can I use "using forced labor" in a sentence?

You can use "using forced labor" to describe situations where individuals are compelled to work against their will under threat or coercion. For instance, "The investigation revealed that the company was "using forced labor" in its overseas factories".

What are some synonyms for "using forced labor"?

Alternatives to "using forced labor" include "employing coerced work", "engaging in involuntary servitude", or "practicing slave labor", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it accurate to describe prison labor as "using forced labor"?

Whether prison labor is considered "using forced labor" depends on factors such as whether inmates are paid fairly, work voluntarily, and have safe working conditions. If these conditions are not met, it may qualify as forced labor.

What international laws prohibit "using forced labor"?

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