Churn: meaning, definitions and examples

Churn is often used in a business or customer service context to describe the rate at which customers stop doing business with a company. It's also used in technology to refer to rapid changes in trends or technology landscapes.

• The company's customer churn rate increased last quarter.
• The tech industry experiences a high churn of new startups.

Attrition generally refers to a gradual reduction of workforce or personnel, often through natural means like retirement or resignation, rather than active layoffs.

• The company managed to reduce its workforce through natural attrition instead of layoffs.
• Employee attrition is a major concern in the competitive tech industry.

Turnover refers to the rate at which employees leave a company and are replaced by new employees. It can also be applied to inventory or sales in a business context.

• The high employee turnover is costing the company a lot in training new hires.
• The store's inventory turnover rate has improved significantly.

Defection has a negative connotation and is often used when someone abandons their loyalty, duty, or allegiance, such as in political, military, or competitive business contexts.

• The defection of the key player to a rival team shocked everyone.
• Political defection is a serious issue in times of unrest.

Typically applied in a business context to describe a high rate of turnover or attrition, often carrying a negative connotation.

• The company is trying to reduce employee churn by improving working conditions.
• High customer churn is affecting our subscription service profits.

Use this word when mentioning the act of replacing one thing with another, especially in a direct or immediate manner.

• You should switch to a different service provider for better rates.
• He decided to switch majors in college.

Appropriate when referring to the physical relocation of an object or person from one place to another.

• They decided to move to a new apartment.
• Please move the chair closer to the table.

Utilize this term when discussing general alterations, adjustments, or modifications to something.

• She wants to change her hairstyle next week.
• We need to change our plans because of the weather.