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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 callednatural wastage a decrease in the size of the workforce of an organization achieved by not replacing employees who retire or resign
- theol sorrow for sin arising from fear of damnation, esp as contrasted with contrition, which arises purely from love of God
Derived Forms
- ˈٰپDzԲ, adjective
- attritive, adjective
Other Word Forms
- ·ٰ·پDz· adjective
- ·ٰ·پ [uh, -, trahy, -tiv], adjective
- ·ٱ··ٰ·پDz noun
Word History and Origins
Origin of attrition1
Word History and Origins
Origin of attrition1
Example Sentences
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.
But he says the council has faced a long "war of attrition" to identify owners and buy up the properties, with valuations often coming in at just a few thousand pounds.
However, on Monday, Ms Hume said the party - if elected - would attempt to achieve the reduction over five years through a hiring freeze and natural attrition.
The biggest threat to customer service capabilities then was attrition, as more of the agency’s workers approached retirement.
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