brain drain

noun

: the departure of educated or professional people from one country, economic sector, or field for another usually for better pay or living conditions

Examples of brain drain in a Sentence

Nothing has been done to stop the brain drain as more and more doctors move away from the area.
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.
This model reverses rural brain drain by creating career pathways that allow young people to access high-tech opportunities without leaving their communities. Alison Griffin, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025 The brain drain to low-tax states has to stop. John Seiler, Oc Register, 9 Sep. 2025 Universities in China, Canada and Europe have moved to hire American academics en masse — signaling a potential brain drain. Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 2 Sep. 2025 Fears of a brain drain Across the federal government, some workers aren't waiting around to see what happens. Andrea Hsu, NPR, 1 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for brain drain

Word History

First Known Use

1960, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of brain drain was in 1960

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Cite this Entry

“Brain drain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brain%20drain. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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