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.
Limited industry growth, persistent poverty, and a brain drain that's bleeding talent. Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025 Zinke said the National Parks face a brain drain after losing several thousand employees this year due to layoffs and buyouts. Jayme Moye, Outside Online, 19 May 2025 The White House press office did not respond to NPR's question about whether these mass layoffs are resulting in a brain drain in the federal workforce. Andrea Hsu, NPR, 7 Apr. 2025 This exodus potentially creates a vicious cycle: fewer AI experts means fewer competitive startups, which means fewer reasons for graduates to stay – a continental brain drain that undermines Europe's digital sovereignty. Moin Roberts-Islam, Forbes.com, 31 May 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 27 Jun. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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