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manpower

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ˈmænˌpaʊər/

KK: /ˈmænˌpaʊər/

noun
Definition

The total number of workers or people available to do a job or task.


Example

The company is looking to increase its manpower to meet the growing demand for its products.


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you hear about the project that needs extra manpower?
Sloth B
Yeah, I heard it's going to be a big job.
Sloth A
I wonder if our team will have enough manpower to handle it.
Sloth B
I think so, but we might need to recruit a few more people.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
labor
workforce
staff
Antonyms
unemployment
idleness
lethargy
Root Explanation

Manpower is formed from "man" (from Old English "mann", meaning human being or person) and "power" (from Old French "poeir", meaning to be able or have strength). The term refers to the human resources or labor available for work or tasks, emphasizing the strength and capability of people.

Memory Tip

Think of 'man' as referring to a human being and 'power' as strength or ability — together, they describe the strength and capability of people available for work.

Visually Confused Words
unpower
miaower
empower
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