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
The Diaspora Dilemma By 2030, China could reverse its brain drain through initiatives like the Thousand Talents Plan, which has already repatriated over 8,000 scientists since 2008.
—
Moin Roberts-Islam, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
The filing added that colleges in other countries are already stepping in to recruit the scholars, warning of a potential brain drain.
—Lexi Lonas Cochran, The Hill, 30 May 2025
Some of Mafalda’s worries, like Argentine brain drain in the 1960s, may belong to her place and time.
—Lily Meyer, The Dial, 20 May 2025
Limited industry growth, persistent poverty, and a brain drain that's bleeding talent.
—Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for brain drain
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.
Moin Roberts-Islam, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
The filing added that colleges in other countries are already stepping in to recruit the scholars, warning of a potential brain drain.
—Lexi Lonas Cochran, The Hill, 30 May 2025
Some of Mafalda’s worries, like Argentine brain drain in the 1960s, may belong to her place and time.
—Lily Meyer, The Dial, 20 May 2025
Limited industry growth, persistent poverty, and a brain drain that's bleeding talent.
—Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for brain drain
Cite this Entry
“Brain drain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brain%20drain. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share