attrition
What does "attrition" mean?
Attrition refers to the gradual process of wearing something down or reducing its size, strength, or number through constant pressure, friction, or loss. Think of a stone being smoothed by a running river over many years, or a company slowly losing employees who leave one by one. It is most frequently used in professional or analytical contexts, such as describing workforce turnover or the steady decline of military strength during a long conflict. You would rarely use this in casual conversation; it implies a systematic, inevitable, or drawn-out reduction rather than a sudden event.
"attrition" in conversation
Discussing office staffing
Our department is struggling with high attrition this quarter.
Our department is struggling with high attrition this quarter.
I know, it seems like someone new quits every single week.
I know, it seems like someone new quits every single week.
Used here to refer to the rate at which employees leave a company.
Analyzing a strategy game
I don't have enough resources for a direct assault.
I don't have enough resources for a direct assault.
Then just focus on a war of attrition until they run out of supplies.
Then just focus on a war of attrition until they run out of supplies.
A 'war of attrition' is a common fixed phrase meaning to win by exhausting the opponent.
"attrition" in a sentence
The company hopes to reduce its staff through natural attrition rather than layoffs.
The company hopes to reduce its staff through natural attrition rather than layoffs.
The heavy rainfall caused the attrition of the cliffside path over several seasons.
The heavy rainfall caused the attrition of the cliffside path over several seasons.
The long-standing conflict eventually became a brutal war of attrition, devastating both sides.
The long-standing conflict eventually became a brutal war of attrition, devastating both sides.
