retention

noun

re·​ten·​tion ri-ˈten(t)-shən How to pronounce retention (audio)
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 partnership could also support Native student retention. Emma Hall, Sacramento Bee, 8 Mar. 2024 The speedy development is due to employee retention, Kitase said. Gene Park, Washington Post, 6 Mar. 2024 And workers around the world who participated in workplace volunteering and purpose programs were 52% less likely to leave their companies, according to a 2022 talent retention study from Benevity, a donation, volunteer, and grant management platform. Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 4 Mar. 2024 There are also multiple ballot lines for judge retention. Mary Jo Pitzl, The Arizona Republic, 3 Mar. 2024 Related article Philanthropic group gifts HBCUs $124 million to increase student enrollment and retention Notable HBCU alumni include Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Kamala Harris, Spike Lee, Oprah Winfrey, Thurgood Marshall, Samuel L. Jackson and Booker T. Washington. Justin Gamble, CNN, 2 Mar. 2024 Companies like Walmart, Apple, General Motors, Target, Cigna, Tyson Foods, ExxonMobil, and Yelp have seen a 20 percent increase in retention (58 percent vs. 48 percent) for non-degree hires compared to college-degree hires for roles that don’t require a college degree. Steven Lee, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 This approach also serves as a tool for talent retention and fosters career growth within the organization. Johnny C. Taylor Jr., USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2024 More Ed News:Teachers worry about safety and privacy of Attorney General Rokita's new parent portal Over the next year, the cohort will work with Teach Indy on identifying the main issues impacting teacher retention and brainstorming solutions. Caroline Beck, The Indianapolis Star, 26 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'retention.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English retencioun, from Anglo-French, from Latin retention-, retentio, from retinēre to retain — more at retain

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of retention was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near retention

Cite this Entry

“Retention.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retention. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

retention

noun
re·​ten·​tion ri-ˈten-chən How to pronounce retention (audio)
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 How to pronounce retention (audio)
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 How to pronounce retention (audio)
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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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