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.
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 In that case, even a single larger dose can help offset the brain drain that typically accompanies an all-nighter, according to a study published last year in the journal Scientific Reports. Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 28 May 2025 Now China, Singapore, other countries in Asia and several European countries as well aim to be—and to create a reverse brain drain. Robert Hormats, Time, 18 May 2025 That’s the reason political, education and business leaders in advanced countries and emerging economies have long fretted over a brain drain from their own shores. Patricia Cohen, New York Times, 14 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 8 Jun. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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