brain drain

Or brain-drain

noun

1. a loss of trained professional personnel to another company, nation, etc., that offers greater opportunity.

brain drain

noun

1. informal,  the emigration of scientists, technologists, academics, etc, for better pay, equipment, or conditions

Word History and Origins

Origin of brain drain¹

First recorded in 1960–65

Idioms and Phrases

The departure of educated or talented persons for better pay or jobs elsewhere, as in The repression of free speech in Germany triggered a brain drain to Britain and America. The term originated about 1960, when many British scientists and intellectuals emigrated to the United States for a better working climate.

Example Sentences

"The brain drain will weigh heavily on productivity."

From BBC

The more who leave, the better, because the brain drain is going to free up a lot of real estate and help solve the housing crisis.

From Los Angeles Times

When you get to a Super Bowl, of course the brain drain occurs.

From BBC

But losing so many experienced people this year created a huge and sudden “brain drain,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Though many were "nervous", others, such as research organisations, could benefit from a brain drain from the United States - with some researchers not wanting or able to work in the US.

From BBC