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.
The committee’s report warns that while other countries such as the United States, Singapore and Dubai are moving ahead with proactive crypto policies, Israel is suffering from brain drain and a flight of entrepreneurs due to regulatory uncertainty. Tomer Niv, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025 That reputational risk, and the ensuing brain drain, could be even more damaging for U.S. institutions than the immediate economic hit from students leaving. Laurie Chen, Christian Science Monitor, 30 May 2025 Photo by Mike Tittel Like many American cities built on 19th-century industry, Milwaukee suffered a brain drain after manufacturing declined in the next century. Elaine Glusac, AFAR Media, 21 May 2025 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 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 19 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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