insufficient workforce

[/ɪn.səˈfɪʃ.ənt ˈwɜrk.fɔrs/]
noun phrasepl: insufficient workforces
força de trabalho insuficiente
1. A shortage of workers or employees needed to complete tasks or operate at full capacity; an inadequate number of personnel to meet business or organizational demands
The hospital faced an insufficient workforce during the pandemic, forcing staff to work overtime.
O hospital enfrentou uma força de trabalho insuficiente durante a pandemia, forçando a equipe a trabalhar horas extras.
2. A lack of qualified or skilled personnel required for specific projects or operational needs
The construction company reported an insufficient workforce to complete the project on schedule.
A empresa de construção relatou uma força de trabalho insuficiente para concluir o projeto no prazo.
In Brazil, workforce shortages are commonly discussed in business news and labor discussions, particularly affecting manufacturing, healthcare, and agriculture sectors. The phrase reflects ongoing economic and demographic challenges. In the USA, this term became especially prominent during the post-COVID labor market shifts, often cited as a major economic concern.
NYC Slang
short-staffed / we're running lean
Synonyms / Sinônimos
labor shortagestaff shortageunderstaffinginadequate staffingpersonnel deficitmanpower shortage
Antonyms / Antônimos
adequate workforcesufficient staffingoverstaffingfull capacity

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
força de trabalho insuficiente
Most common and formal expression used in business contexts
General Brazilian
falta de mão de obra
Common colloquial term emphasizing the shortage aspect
São Paulo
déficit de pessoal
Used in corporate and business environments
Portugal
força de trabalho inadequada
Portuguese European variant; slightly more formal phrasing

Related Words

workforceemploymentstaffinglabor marketrecruitmentturnoverproductivity

Related Idioms & Phrases

skeleton crew
spread too thin
not enough hands on deck
understaffed and overworked
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