personnel
n.-
1 employees (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Formalthe group of people who work for a company, the military, or an organization.
the collective body of persons employed in a service, business, or military context.
ExampleThe company is looking for new personnel to join the marketing team.
ExampleAll military personnel were ordered to return to their bases immediately following the security breach.
UsageUsually treated as a plural noun; it takes a plural verb and no 's' at the end.
Teacher's tipLearners often confuse this with 'personal'. Remind them that 'personnel' has two 'n's and the stress is on the final syllable.
PitfallThe personnels are unhappy.The personnel are unhappy.Personnel is a collective noun and does not take an 's'. It is usually followed by a plural verb.
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2 HR department (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Formalthe department in a company that deals with hiring, training, and helping employees.
the department within an organization concerned with the administration and management of employees.
ExampleIf you have a problem with your contract, you should speak to personnel.
ExampleThe personnel department is currently reviewing the benefits package to ensure it remains competitive within the industry.
UsageOften used as a proper noun or with 'the' to refer to a specific office.
Teacher's tipIn modern business, 'Human Resources' or 'HR' is more common, but 'Personnel' is still frequently used in older or more traditional organizations.
- human resources
- HR
Unadapted borrowing from French personnel. Doublet of personal.