attrition

/ə'triʃn/
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attrition

The constant attrition of the river smoothed the jagged stones.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A gradual reduction in number or strength: The process of gradually reducing the strength or effectiveness of something through sustained pressure or loss.
    • The act of wearing down by friction: The action of rubbing something away or being rubbed away.
    • Sorrow for sin arising from fear of punishment: In theology, a state of regret for sin motivated by fear of divine punishment, as opposed to pure love of God.
Examples of Usage
  • Noun:
    • The company reduced its workforce through attrition rather than layoffs.
    • The constant attrition of the waves shaped the coastline over centuries.
    • His attrition was not true repentance but merely fear of hell.
Advanced Usage

  • "War of attrition": A prolonged conflict in which each side aims to wear down the other by causing continuous losses.

    • The battle became a costly war of attrition, with neither side able to gain a decisive advantage.

  • "Attrition rate": The rate at which people leave a group (e.g., employees, students, members) over a period.

    • The university has a high attrition rate in its first-year engineering program.
Variants and Related Words
  • Attrite (verb, rare): To wear down or reduce by attrition.
  • Attritional (adjective): Relating to or characterized by attrition.
    • The conflict settled into an attritional stalemate.
Synonyms
  • Erosion: The process of being gradually worn away.
  • Depletion: Reduction in the number or quantity of something.
  • Abrasion: The process of scraping or wearing something away.
Related Phrases
  • Natural attrition: The process of reducing staff by not replacing people who leave.
    • The department will shrink through natural attrition over the next few years.
Notes on Meaning

The core concept of attrition is a slow, grinding process of reduction or weakening, whether applied to physical objects, personnel, morale, or spiritual states. It implies a gradual loss over time rather than a sudden event.

attrition

The constant attrition of the river smoothed the jagged stones.

Noun
  1. the act of rubbing together; wearing something down by friction
  2. a wearing down to weaken or destroy
    • a war of attrition
  3. sorrow for sin arising from fear of damnation
  4. the wearing down of rock particles by friction due to water or wind or ice
  5. erosion by friction

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