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.
An alarming rate of brain drain is looming over the industrial sector. Saar Yoskovitz, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024 In Louisiana, for instance, the Baton Rouge Area Chamber is combating brain drain by connecting local college students with local businesses. Christine Y. Cruzvergara, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 Countries that experience brain drain lack strong universities, cutting-edge medical treatments, and innovative city planning. Michelle Benegas, Twin Cities, 1 Nov. 2024 The company may be content with making the sacrifice of some brain drain. Ryan Hogg, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near brain drain

Cite this Entry

“Brain drain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brain%20drain. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!