Retainment vs. Retention: What's the Difference?
Copy edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 2, 2023
Retainment is less commonly used but implies the act of retaining, while retention is the more commonly used term, referring to the act or process of retaining something or someone.
Key Differences
Retainment is a term that is not as commonly used as retention, but it essentially denotes the act of retaining. It could be used in varying contexts, like the retainment of knowledge or information. In contrast, retention is a widely recognized term used to describe the process or act of retaining. It’s often associated with the ability to hold or keep something, such as retaining information or retaining employees in a company. Both terms, though different in usage frequency, relate to the concept of keeping or holding onto something or someone.
When discussing retainment and retention in educational contexts, retainment might refer to the ability of a student to hold the information learned, although it is not the preferred term. Retention is the proper term used to express the capability of students to remember and recall information that has been taught. Retention is crucial in learning environments as it impacts the long-term acquisition of knowledge and skills. Despite the difference in commonality, both terms imply the act of holding or keeping information.
In the context of employment, retainment may signify the act of keeping employees within the organization, but it is seldom used in formal contexts. Retention is the standard term used to denote strategies or practices employed by organizations to keep their employees and reduce turnover. Employee retention is significant for organizational stability and growth as it maintains continuity and preserves organizational knowledge. While retainment could be used interchangeably, retention holds more weight and is more recognizable in professional settings.
In a grammatical sense, retainment is considered somewhat redundant and less formal, given that retention already covers the meanings that would be ascribed to retainment. Retention is more formal and is used in official and academic contexts to describe the act or process of retaining. It has a broad application and is used in various fields such as psychology, human resources, and education to describe the keeping or preserving of knowledge, employees, or information. The distinctions in usage and formality between retainment and retention make it essential to choose the terms appropriately based on the context and audience.
Comparison Chart
Commonality of Usage
Less commonly used
More commonly used
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Contextual Application
Can be used interchangeably with retention but is less formal
Broadly used in various formal contexts
Preferred Term
Not the preferred term
The preferred term
Formality
Considered less formal
Considered more formal
Definition
Implies the act of retaining
Refers to the act or process of retaining something or someone
Retainment and Retention Definitions
Retainment
The act of retaining or holding onto something.
The teacher stressed the importance of knowledge retainment for the final exam.
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Retention
Keeping possession or control of something.
Water retention in the body can lead to swelling.
Retainment
Keeping or preserving something within.
Water retainment in soil is crucial for plant growth.
Retention
The ability to recall or remember information.
Memory retention is crucial for learning new skills.
Retainment
The act of keeping or holding back.
The retainment of essential information can hinder project progress.
Retention
The condition of being retained or kept in place.
Soil retention supports the stability of structures on slopes.
Retainment
The continuation of possessing something.
The retainment of original documents is mandatory for verification.
Retention
The act of retaining or the condition of being retained
The retention of nutrients in the soil.
The retention of jobs in the city.
Retainment
The condition of being retained.
The retainment of employees contributes to a stable work environment.
Retention
The practice of requiring a student to repeat a class or a year of school because of insufficient educational progress to advance.
Retainment
To keep possession of; continue to have
The family sold the house but retained the land.
Retention
The ability to recall or recognize what has been learned or experienced; memory.
Retainment
To keep in a particular place or condition
A library that retains the author's papers.
Plants that retain a lot of water.
Retention
The inability of a person or animal to eliminate a bodily waste.
Retainment
To continue to have as a feature or aspect
Retains his good humor after all the setbacks.
Retention
The act of retaining or something retained
Retainment
To keep in mind; remember
Retains the songs she learned in childhood.
Retention
The act or power of remembering things
Retainment
To require (a student) to repeat a class or grade because of insufficient educational progress to advance.
Retention
A memory; what is retained in the mind
Retainment
To keep in one's service or pay
Retain employees on a workforce.
Retention
(medicine) The involuntary withholding of urine and faeces
Retainment
To hire (an attorney, for example) by the payment of a fee.
Retention
(medicine) The length of time an individual remains in treatment
Retainment
To hire a person for (that person's services)
Retained the best legal advice available.
Retention
(obsolete) That which contains something, as a tablet; a means of preserving impressions.
Retainment
Retention
Retention
(obsolete) The act of withholding; restraint; reserve.
Retainment
The act of retaining; retention.
Retention
(obsolete) A place of custody or confinement.
Retention
(legal) The right to withhold a debt, or of retaining property until a debt due to the person claiming the right is duly paid; a lien.
Retention
(insurance) The portion of a potential damange that must be paid for by the holder of an insurance policy.
Retention
The act of retaining, or the state of being ratined.
Retention
The power of retaining; retentiveness.
No woman's heartSo big, to hold so much; they lack retention.
Retention
That which contains something, as a tablet; a of preserving impressions.
Retention
The act of withholding; retraint; reserve.
Retention
Place of custody or confinement.
Retention
The right of withholding a debt, or of retaining property until a debt due to the person claiming the right be duly paid; a lien.
Retention
The act of keeping in your possession
Retention
The power of retaining and recalling past experience;
He had a good memory when he was younger
Retention
The power of retaining liquid;
Moisture retentivity of soil
Retention
The act or process of retaining, keeping or holding something.
High employee retention is beneficial for organizational growth.
Retention
The continued possession, use, or control of something.
Client retention is essential for a business's success.
FAQs
What does retainment imply?
Retainment implies the act of retaining or holding onto something.
Is retainment commonly used in formal contexts?
No, retainment is less commonly used and considered less formal compared to retention.
Can retainment and retention be used interchangeably?
While they can be used interchangeably in some cases, retention is the more formal and preferred term.
Is retention significant in educational settings?
Yes, retention is significant in educational settings as it relates to the ability to remember and recall information.
How is retention defined?
Retention is defined as the act or process of retaining something or someone.
Is retention more broadly applied in various fields?
Yes, retention is a more broadly applied and recognized term in various fields.
Why is retention crucial in organizations?
Retention is crucial as it maintains organizational stability and preserves institutional knowledge by reducing employee turnover.
What is a common context for using retention?
Retention is commonly used in contexts like education and employment to denote keeping or holding onto knowledge or employees.
Does retainment have a broad application?
Retainment does not have as broad an application as retention and is less commonly used.
Is retainment a standard term in employment contexts?
Retainment is not the standard term; retention is the standard term used in employment contexts.
Does retainment imply continuation of possession?
Yes, retainment implies the continuation of possessing something.
Can retention relate to the condition of being retained?
Yes, retention can relate to the condition of being retained or kept in place.
Can retention refer to keeping possession or control?
Yes, retention can refer to keeping possession or control of something.
Is retainment the preferred term in any context?
Retainment is generally not the preferred term; retention is usually the preferred and more formal choice in various contexts.
Is retainment considered redundant?
Yes, retainment is considered somewhat redundant as retention covers the meanings ascribed to retainment.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Copy edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
