retention

noun re·ten·tion \ ri-ˈten(t)-shən \

|Updated on: 7 Jun 2018

Definition of retention

1 a : the act of retaining : the state of being retained

b : abnormal retaining of a fluid or secretion in a body cavity

2 a : power of retaining : retentiveness

b : an ability to retain things in mind; specifically : a preservation of the aftereffects of experience and learning that makes recall or recognition possible

3 : something retained

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Examples of retention in a Sentence

the recruitment and retention of good employees
the retention of profits from all sales
pills to offset water retention
the retention of things learned in school
They say the herb promotes memory retention.

Recent Examples of retention from the Web

Development, recruitment and retention of talent needed to provide strong, creative and innovative leadership in the future in government, business, education and the nonprofit sectors.

— kansascity, "Jean Paul Bradshaw," 5 June 2018
And a report by the Department of Natural Resources used a U.S. Forest Service model to estimate that urban trees, with their water retention capabilities, contributed $24 million in storm water mitigation in Indiana in 2008.

— emily hopkins, Indianapolis Star, "A lack of trees might hurt Indianapolis’ growth. Here’s why.," 4 June 2018
The Nerium Eye-V Hydrogel Patches really help with any puffiness or water retention.

— kelsey castañon, refinery29.com, "This Is Why The Queer Eye Guys Always Look So Good," 16 May 2018
City connecting with businesses Vickers said the city has been working on business retention and expansion measures.

— erik s. hanley, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Arena Americas moving to a new facility in Oak Creek," 16 May 2018
Kevin George, who has managed the foster care program since 2001, will be replaced by a new leader hired to focus on recruitment and retention of foster families.

— molly young, OregonLive.com, "Changes for Oregon's struggling foster care system: Longtime manager will be replaced," 11 May 2018
As a result of the investigation, the ombudsman laid out a host of recommendations for the DPA, including hiring more staff, strengthening quality assurance processes, and addressing obstacles to recruitment and retention for staff.

— annie zak, Anchorage Daily News, "Backlog and communication problems: Investigation finds issues with Alaska’s Division of Public Assistance," 9 May 2018
His background focuses on innovative student recruitment and retention strategies and increasing graduation rates.

— anne ryman, azcentral, "Rio Salado College vice president denies allegations of sexual harassment," 8 May 2018
The committee’s report said the NHS needed to shift more care out of hospitals and into communities and focus on ways to boost recruitment and retention of general practitioners.

— jenny gross, WSJ, "U.K.’s National Health Service Is in Trouble," 22 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'retention.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.