1. the act of keeping or continuing to have something
2. the ability to remember information or experiences
3. the continued employment or enrollment of someone in an organization or program
Usage: business; education

Examples

• The company’s retention of experienced employees is crucial for success.
• Her retention of historical facts impressed the professor.
• The school implemented new programs to improve student retention rates.
• Water retention in the soil helps plants survive dry periods.
• The retention of important documents is required by law.
• Memory retention decreases with age for some people.
• Employee retention became a priority after several key staff members left.