the human race

IPA/ðə ˌhjuːmən ˈreɪs/
IPA/ðə ˌhjuːmən ˈreɪs/

the human race — noun

1. all people everywhere, thought of as one single group — for example, when talkin

1.nounB1
Definition

all people everywhere, thought of as one single group — for example, when talking about the history, future, or shared challenges of everyone on Earth

Example

The human race has wiped out smallpox thanks to a worldwide vaccination program.

the + human + race as a global subject

Dr. Kim believes the human race must cut carbon emissions to protect future generations.

believe + that-clause about the human race

Common collocations
  • the future of the human race
  • the survival of the human race
  • the history of the human race
  • the destruction of the human race
  • the whole human race
  • the entire human race
Synonyms
  • humanity

    the most common and neutral alternative; works in the same contexts

  • humankind

    slightly more formal and literary; deliberately avoids gender bias

  • mankind

    older term, still used but sometimes considered outdated or gender-exclusive

  • people

    less formal and less collective; focuses on individuals rather than the whole group

Grammar Patterns

the + human + race + singular verb

Usage Note

Always takes the definite article 'the' and a singular verb. 'The human race' is more formal and collective-sounding than 'people'. It has largely replaced 'mankind' in modern usage because 'mankind' can be read as excluding women.

Common Mistakes

Human race has made many discoveries.
The human race has made many discoveries.
'The' is required before the phrase.
The human race are facing big problems.
The human race is facing big problems.
'Human race' is treated as a singular noun, so use 'is' not 'are'.
Human races have different cultures.
The human race has many different cultures.
'Human race' is always singular when referring to all of humanity.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

'Humanity' is the most versatile and commonly used synonym for 'the human race'. It works in formal writing ('a crime against humanity'), everyday speech, and philosophical contexts. 'Humankind' was coined in the 20th century as a gender-neutral alternative to 'mankind' and is preferred in academic and inclusive writing ('the history of humankind'). 'Mankind' served this role for centuries, but its masculine form now feels outdated in many contexts — it persists in fixed expressions and historical texts. 'People' is the least formal option and refers to individuals collectively rather than humanity as a single entity ('people have different opinions' vs. 'the human race faces a shared threat'). Use 'humanity' for general writing, 'humankind' for inclusive formal contexts, and 'people' for informal everyday reference.

humanity ↗humankind ↗mankind ↗people ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • the whole human race
  • the entire human race
  • the future of the human race

Prepositions

  • of the human race

Etymology

LatinItalianFrenchEnglish

The phrase 'human race' first appeared in English in the 16th century. 'Human' comes from Latin 'hūmānus' (meaning 'of people, human'), related to 'homō' ('human being'). 'Race' in this sense comes from Italian 'razza' ('kind, group, family'), which entered English via French 'race'. The two words were combined to refer to all people as a single biological or social group — a meaning that became especially common during the Enlightenment when thinkers began discussing universal human rights and shared human progress.