attrition
uh-TRISH-un
/əˈtrishən/
The gradual reduction of a workforce by employees' leaving and not being replaced rather than by their being laid off; the action or process of gradually reducing the strength or effectiveness of someone or something through sustained attack or pressure.
In HR, this is 'natural' shrinking of the company (retirement, moving away) rather than firing people.
The story behind the word. The root 'terere' means 'to rub.' Attrition is the process of 'rubbing away' at something until it is gone. Think of sandpaper wearing down a piece of wood.
Word relationships
- erosion: Erosion is a physical wearing away; attrition is a metaphorical or organizational wearing away.
- turnover: Turnover is the rate at which people leave and are replaced; attrition is when they leave and are NOT replaced.
- expansion: Expansion is the growth of a workforce or organization.
Commonly confused with
- nutrition: Nutrition is about food; attrition is about wearing down.
Word family
- attritional (adjective): Relating to attrition.
Collocations
- natural attrition
- staff attrition
- war of attrition
Example sentences
- "The company is hoping to reduce staff numbers through natural attrition rather than layoffs." HR strategy.
- "The war became a battle of attrition, with both sides slowly wearing each other down." Military strategy.
Memory hook
Attrition is like 'Friction'—it wears the company down. Attrition = Friction wears it down.
When not to use
Don't use it for a single person leaving; it refers to a collective trend.
Fun facts
- In theology, 'attrition' refers to a lower form of repentance—sorrow for sin motivated by fear of punishment rather than love of God.
Related words
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