capital-intensive work

[/ˈkæp.ɪ.təl ɪnˈten.sɪv wɜrk/]
noun phrasepl: capital-intensive works
trabalho intensivo em capital
1. Work or economic activity that requires substantial investment in equipment, machinery, infrastructure, and other fixed assets relative to labor costs
Manufacturing and construction are examples of capital-intensive work that require significant upfront investment.
Manufatura e construção são exemplos de trabalho intensivo em capital que requerem investimento inicial significativo.
2. Industry or sector where the ratio of capital assets to labor is high, meaning more money is spent on equipment than on wages
Petroleum refining is capital-intensive work, requiring billions in infrastructure before producing a single barrel.
O refinamento de petróleo é trabalho intensivo em capital, exigindo bilhões em infraestrutura antes de produzir um único barril.
This term is commonly used in business schools, economics courses, and corporate strategy discussions in both Brazil and the USA. In Brazil, discussions of capital-intensive industries often relate to infrastructure projects, oil refining, and manufacturing sectors. In the USA, the term is frequently used to distinguish between different business models, particularly in discussions about automation and outsourcing.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
capital-heavy workasset-intensive workequipment-intensive workinfrastructure-dependent work
Antonyms / Antônimos
labor-intensive worklabor-intensive activitypeople-intensive work

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
trabalho intensivo em capital
Standard usage in business and economics contexts
São Paulo
trabalho que demanda muita capitalização
More colloquial phrasing used in business districts
Portugal
trabalho intensivo em capital / sector intensivo em capital
Used in economic and academic discussions; may also use 'intensivo em investimento'

Related Words

capital expenditurefixed assetsreturn on investment (ROI)economies of scaleautomationmachinery

Related Idioms & Phrases

to require heavy capital investment
to be capital-heavy
to demand significant upfront costs
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