retention

noun

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re·ten·tion | \ ri-ˈten(t)-shən

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Definition of retention

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

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

2a : 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

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 on the Web Even states with strong government involvement struggle with examiner retention and burnout. — NBC News, "After a sexual assault, where can you get a medical and forensic exam?," 29 Dec. 2020 Sheriff Javier Salazar said as much in a recent Zoom call with reporters, noting the problem with retention. — Scott Huddleston, ExpressNews.com, "Bexar County Jail’s high staffing turnover, excessive overtime sure to be major focus for county in 2021," 21 Dec. 2020 The city wasn’t built with retention, so everything has to be retrofitted. — John Benson, cleveland, "North Olmsted selects CT Consultants for flood-mitigation project," 17 Dec. 2020 To help with retention, Wisconsin should also increase officer wellness support. — Ryan J. Owens, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Opinion: Wisconsin's law enforcement officers are leaving in droves. Here's what we can do to keep communities safe.," 26 Nov. 2020 The inside of the suitcase boasts a large open area with elastic retention straps for securing your clothes or packing cubes into place, as well as mesh stash pockets for organizing smaller items. — Amanda Tarlton, USA TODAY, "50+ amazing gifts that men actually want," 24 Nov. 2020 Pick one that feels good in your hand, with dependable edge retention and sturdy construction. — Tim Macwelch, Outdoor Life, "Personal Defense Tools and Weapons That Could Save Your Life in an Emergency," 4 Nov. 2020 Many companies have homed in on retention to justify bonuses because they cannot be attached to traditional motivators like sales targets or stock valuations during bankruptcy. — Dallas News, "Before filing for bankruptcy, 18 companies hand out $135 million in executive bonuses," 26 Oct. 2020 Many companies have homed in on retention to justify bonuses because they cannot be attached to traditional motivators like sales targets or stock valuations during bankruptcy. — Washington Post, "Bonuses before bankruptcy: Companies doled out millions to executives before filing for Chapter 11," 26 Oct. 2020

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.