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Attrition: meaning, definitions and examples

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attrition

 

[ əˈtrɪʃ(ə)n ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

workplace

The gradual reduction of staff through voluntary resignations, retirements, or deaths, without replacing those who leave.

Synonyms

churn, depletion, turnover

Examples of usage

  • High levels of attrition can be costly for a company.
  • Employee attrition rates have been on the rise in recent years.
Context #2 | Noun

military

The action or process of gradually reducing the strength or effectiveness of an enemy through sustained attack or pressure.

Synonyms

erosion, weakening

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

Etymology

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.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,577, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.