Attrition: meaning, definitions and examples
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attrition
[ əˈtrɪʃ(ə)n ]
workplace
The gradual reduction of staff through voluntary resignations, retirements, or deaths, without replacing those who leave.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- High levels of attrition can be costly for a company.
- Employee attrition rates have been on the rise in recent years.
military
The action or process of gradually reducing the strength or effectiveness of an enemy through sustained attack or pressure.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The attrition of enemy forces was a key strategy in the war.
- The military campaign focused on attrition rather than swift victories.
Translations
Translations of the word "attrition" in other languages:
🇵🇹 desgaste
🇮🇳 घिसावट
🇩🇪 Abnutzung
🇮🇩 keausan
🇺🇦 зношування
🇵🇱 ścieranie
🇯🇵 摩耗
🇫🇷 attrition
🇪🇸 desgaste
🇹🇷 aşınma
🇰🇷 마모
🇸🇦 تآكل
🇨🇿 opotřebení
🇸🇰 opotrebovanie
🇨🇳 磨损
🇸🇮 obraba
🇮🇸 slit
🇰🇿 тозу
🇬🇪 ცვეთა
🇦🇿 aşınma
🇲🇽 desgaste
Word origin
The word 'attrition' originated from the Latin word 'attritio', meaning rubbing against. In the context of warfare, attrition has been a strategy used throughout history to wear down the enemy's resources and manpower. In modern business terminology, attrition refers to the gradual reduction of staff within a company. The term has evolved to encompass voluntary resignations, retirements, or deaths without replacements, leading to a decrease in workforce size.
See also: attract, attraction, attractions, attractive, attractively, attractiveness, attractor, unattractive, unattractively, unattractiveness.