English Reference
noun

staffing

n.
US /ˈstæfɪŋ/ UK /stˈɑːfɪŋ/ staffing

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    the process of finding, hiring, and managing the people who work for a company.

    the administrative process of recruiting and managing personnel within an organisation.

    Simple

    The hospital is having trouble with staffing because many nurses are retiring.

    In context

    Effective staffing requires a delicate balance between budget constraints and the operational need for skilled personnel during peak hours.

    Usage

    Often used as an uncountable noun or as a gerund in business contexts.

    recruitmenthiringpersonnel management
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    the group of people needed to complete a specific project or task.

    the specific body of personnel assigned to a particular project, department, or shift.

    Simple

    We need to increase our staffing for the summer festival next month.

    In context

    The current staffing for the research department is insufficient to meet the aggressive deadlines set by the board of directors.

Usage staffing shortages

A new report documents how federal agencies have reduced the number of civil rights cases they pursue as staffing falls.

Al Jazeera· 15 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated