Non-retention

Non-retention refers to the act or state of not keeping something; the failure to hold onto, preserve, or continue something. This can apply to a variety of contexts, from information and personnel to physical objects and even liquids. It often implies a deliberate decision to discard, release, or remove the subject in question, or a natural loss. It is the opposite of retaining or holding onto something, with consequences that can range from minor inconveniences to significant legal or financial ramifications.

Non-retention meaning with examples

• Due to budget cuts, the company implemented a policy of employee non-retention, leading to layoffs across several departments. This resulted in significant workforce reduction and impacted the company's productivity as experienced staff were no longer part of the team. The HR department needed to handle severance packages and offer outplacement services.
• The judge cited non-retention of crucial evidence as grounds for a mistrial, as prosecutors failed to preserve documents necessary for the defense. The oversight undermined the credibility of the investigation, causing a complete redo of the lengthy trial. This caused great inconvenience and expense for all parties involved.
• Following the leak, the vessel exhibited a critical flaw, the non-retention of water in its hull compromised its buoyancy. The sailors immediately started bailing, or the vessel would sink. This highlighted the importance of proper sealing and regular maintenance to prevent any further accidents. The incident led to the loss of equipment.
• In the realm of data security, the policy of non-retention applied to customer data, meaning the company deleted user information after a set period. While it protected customer privacy, it made targeted marketing campaigns nearly impossible to achieve, which cost a substantial amount of money in lost advertising revenue.