Retainment vs. Retention — What's the Difference?

Retainment is a word that one might encounter, though it is worth noting that its usage can be considered less standard in English when compared to Retention. The term “Retainment” generally pertains to the action or means of retaining something or someone. For example, a business strategy focused on keeping clients could be referred to as a client retainment strategy, especially in a colloquial context. However, it's essential to acknowledge that many consider "Retainment" non-standard or informal.

On the other hand, Retention is a standard and widely recognized term in the English language. Retention pertains to the act of retaining and can be utilized across various contexts, such as in discussions about memory, where one might speak about data retention or in employment, discussing employee retention strategies. It is the noun form of the verb "retain" and fits neatly into numerous syntactic environments where the action or power of retaining is discussed.

In academic and professional writing, opting for “Retention” is often considered the grammatically and stylistically appropriate choice. When discussing the act of holding, preserving, or keeping something, “Retention” serves adequately in a range of contexts and disciplines, from psychology, where one might discuss memory retention, to business, where customer retention could be a focal point. Its usage is recognized globally and across diverse professional fields.

Retainment, while potentially understood, may be met with hesitation or disapproval in formal contexts or regions where Standard American English is strictly adhered to. So, while Retainment might sneak into casual conversation or informal communication, utilizing "Retention" is typically encouraged in formal, academic, or professional discourse to ensure clarity and maintain linguistic standards.