retention
noun
re·ten·tion
ri-ˈten(t)-shən 
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
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
This concern is particularly acute given that talent acquisition and retention rank among the top three priorities for CEOs, according to The Conference Board's C-Suite Outlook 2025: Seizing the Future report.
—
Solange Charas, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
While restructuring in the name of efficiency is one way to trim headcount, a negative work environment can also have a direct impact on talent retention.
—The Hill, 30 May 2025
Last summer, the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) conducted a survey to better understand the challenges police agencies face with recruitment and retention.
—Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 30 May 2025
Studies show that organizations with more of them deliver better financial performance, employee satisfaction/retention, and shareholder returns.
—Susan Rietano Davey, Hartford Courant, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for retention
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Solange Charas, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
While restructuring in the name of efficiency is one way to trim headcount, a negative work environment can also have a direct impact on talent retention.
—The Hill, 30 May 2025
Last summer, the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) conducted a survey to better understand the challenges police agencies face with recruitment and retention.
—Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 30 May 2025
Studies show that organizations with more of them deliver better financial performance, employee satisfaction/retention, and shareholder returns.
—Susan Rietano Davey, Hartford Courant, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for retention
Cite this Entry
“Retention.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retention. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
retention
noun
re·ten·tion
ri-ˈten-chən
1
: the act of retaining : the state of being retained
2
: power of retaining
3
: something retained
Medical Definition
retention
noun
re·ten·tion
ri-ˈten-chən
1
: the act of retaining: as
a
: abnormal retaining of a fluid or secretion in a body cavity
retention of urine
retention of bile
b
: the holding in place of a tooth or dental replacement by means of a retainer
2
: a preservation of the aftereffects of experience and learning that makes recall or recognition possible
Legal Definition
retention
noun
re·ten·tion
ri-ˈten-chən
1
: the act of retaining or the state of being retained
2
: the portion of the insurance on a particular risk not reinsured or ceded by the originating insurer
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