capital-intensive

adjective

cap·​i·​tal-in·​ten·​sive ˈka-pə-tᵊl- in-ˈten(t)-siv How to pronounce capital-intensive (audio)
ˈkap-tᵊl-
: having a high capital cost per unit of output
especially : requiring greater expenditure in the form of capital than of labor

Examples of capital-intensive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Fischer is moving between two capital-intensive industries at very different points in their growth. — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2026 This occurs with minimal working capital drag, since fulfillment runs through pre-established pharmacy networks rather than capital-intensive durable equipment logistics. — Harvey Stober, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026 Modular plants challenge ammonia megaprojects Traditional ammonia production has typically relied on large, capital-intensive plants. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026 Critics argue such arrangements force consumers to pay for surplus electricity, although Manga said such guarantees were necessary to secure financing for capital-intensive projects. — ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for capital-intensive

Word History

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of capital-intensive was in 1959

Rhymes for capital-intensive

See All Rhymes for capital-intensive

Browse Nearby Words

capital grant
capital-intensive
capital investment
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Capital-intensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/capital-intensive. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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