Meaning & use
attrition
Last updated
a gradual reduction in numbers or strength through sustained pressure, wear, or loss.
See it in a sentence
The company reduced its workforce through attrition rather than layoffs.
The long siege turned into a war of attrition, wearing down both armies.
A note on using this word
The phrase 'war of attrition' describes a conflict won by gradually wearing down the opponent; 'attrition' is also common in business to describe natural staff turnover.
Words with a similar meaning
erosionwearing down
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
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