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Definitions

brain drain

NOUN
loss of important personnel
Synonyms


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The war also sparked a brain drain in Israel.

From Barron's • Feb. 21, 2026

The brain drain has been catastrophic at the department, which is engulfed in personnel chaos.

From Salon • Feb. 6, 2026

Medics and analysts say Nigeria has a very low doctor-patient ratio, worsened by a massive "brain drain" as health professionals emigrate after being enticed by better working conditions abroad.

From BBC • Jan. 15, 2026

Some non-approvals owe to manufacturing problems, but another culprit is an agency brain drain.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 27, 2025

No: they continued to test at about the same levels as before the supposed brain drain.

From "Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything" by Steven D. Levitt