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.
At the Census Bureau, a brain drain of career civil servants has census advocates worried about the agency's ability to prepare for the national head count in 2030, as well as next year's major field test for that tally. Hansi Lo Wang, NPR, 23 May 2025 The brain drain in the field will only help competing nations such as China. Shivaram Rajgopal, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025 Even absent an actual department shutdown, the ongoing brain drain and budget cuts at the Education Department portend slower customer service, processing delays, and fewer resources devoted to borrower outreach. Shahar Ziv, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025 Public health experts have warned that there will be a major brain drain that could have dire impacts as the department already experiences thousands of layoffs. Lauren Irwin, The Hill, 9 Mar. 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 29 May. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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