personnel

word

/ˌpɝsəˈnɛɫ/
pur-suh-NEL
/pˌɜːsənˈɛl/
pur-suh-NEL

Definition

Personnel means the people who work for an organization, company, or military unit. It is often used in formal or administrative contexts rather than everyday casual speech.

Usage & Nuances

Usually an uncountable collective noun: say 'hospital personnel' or 'military personnel,' not 'personnels.' It is more formal than 'staff,' and in many workplaces 'HR' is more common than the older phrase 'personnel department.'

Example Sentences

Only authorized personnel can enter this room.

basic

We’re short on personnel this week, so everyone’s covering extra shifts.

natural

The issue isn’t the plan itself—we just don’t have enough personnel to pull it off.

natural

The hospital needs more personnel at night.

basic

The company trains new personnel every month.

basic

Security personnel stopped us at the gate and checked our IDs.

natural