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attrition
[uh-trish-uhn]
noun
a reduction or decrease in numbers, size, or strength.
Our club has had a high rate of attrition because so many members have moved away.
a wearing down or weakening of resistance, especially as a result of continuous pressure or harassment.
The enemy surrounded the town and conducted a war of attrition.
a gradual reduction in workforce without firing or layoff of personnel, as when workers resign or retire and are not replaced.
the act of rubbing against something; friction.
a wearing down or away by friction; abrasion.
Theology.imperfect contrition. contrition2
attrition
/ əˈtraɪtɪv, əˈtrɪʃən /
noun
the act of wearing away or the state of being worn away, as by friction
constant wearing down to weaken or destroy (often in the phrase war of attrition )
Also called: natural wastage.a decrease in the size of the workforce of an organization achieved by not replacing employees who retire or resign
geography the grinding down of rock particles by friction during transportation by water, wind, or ice Compare abrasion corrasion
theol sorrow for sin arising from fear of damnation, esp as contrasted with contrition, which arises purely from love of God
Other Word Forms
- attritional adjective
- attritive adjective
- interattrition noun
- ˈٰپDzԲ adjective
Word History and Origins
Origin of attrition1
Word History and Origins
Origin of attrition1
Example Sentences
They are a grim echo of similar units formed by Stalin, characterised principally by their extremely high rate of attrition.
As the war of attrition grinds on, each side trying to wear the other down, I asked, Max, a 26-year-old soldier how he felt about global diplomatic efforts pushing for a ceasefire.
Still, seasonal demand and ongoing attrition suggest that staffing gaps in these sectors may persist.
The number of police officers would continue on its gradual downward trajectory, with new hires failing to keep pace with attrition.
But with billions in the balance, the battle for the higher ground may just be the opening salvo in a war of attrition between the federal government and higher education.
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