unskilled laborers

[/ʌnˈskɪld ˈleɪbərərz/]
nounpl: unskilled laborers
trabalhadores sem qualificação
1. Workers who perform manual labor requiring little or no specialized training or professional skills
The construction site employed many unskilled laborers for basic tasks like carrying materials.
O canteiro de obras empregava muitos trabalhadores sem qualificação para tarefas básicas como carregar materiais.
2. Individuals whose occupational duties do not require formal education or certified expertise
Unskilled laborers in agriculture often work seasonally during harvest time.
Trabalhadores sem qualificação na agricultura frequentemente trabalham sazonalmente durante a colheita.
In Brazil, the term 'mão de obra' (literally 'hand of work') is frequently used in economic discussions, reflecting the importance of labor in the construction and agricultural sectors. In the USA, this term often relates to discussions about minimum wage, immigration policy, and labor rights. The distinction between skilled and unskilled labor has significant implications for wage disparity and social mobility in both countries.
NYC Slang
day laborers, grunts
Synonyms / Sinônimos
manual workersgeneral laborersuntrained workerscommon laborerslow-skilled workers
Antonyms / Antônimos
skilled workersprofessionalsspecialiststrained technicianscraftsmen

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
trabalhadores sem qualificação
Most common formal term used in official contexts and labor discussions
General Brazilian
mão de obra desqualificada
Alternative term commonly used in economic and business contexts
Rio de Janeiro
pedreiros e ajudantes
Often used colloquially referring to construction workers without formal training
São Paulo
operários sem especialização
Common in industrial and manufacturing discussions
Portugal
trabalhadores não qualificados
Slightly different phrasing but same meaning; commonly used in official Portuguese labor statistics

Related Words

labor forceworkforceemploymentmanual laborwage workersblue-collar workers

Related Idioms & Phrases

get your hands dirty
muscle work
back-breaking labor
entry-level position
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