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attrition

uh-TRISH-un /əˈtrɪʃən/

nounC2GRESAT

formalmilitarybusiness

The process of gradually reducing the strength or effectiveness of someone or something through sustained attack or pressure; a reduction in the number of employees or participants that occurs when people leave and are not replaced.

In a military context, 'attrition' refers to wearing down an enemy's forces and resources through continuous, often costly, engagements rather than decisive battles. In business, it's a natural reduction in staff.

The story behind the word. The word 'attrition' comes from the Latin 'attritio', meaning 'a rubbing against'. This is derived from 'atterere', which combines 'ad-' (meaning 'to' or 'against') and 'terere' (meaning 'to rub'). So, 'attrition' literally means 'a rubbing away' or 'a wearing down by rubbing'. This vivid image perfectly describes the gradual weakening and reduction of an enemy's strength or resources over time, much like a stone is worn down by constant friction.

Word relationships

wearing down: A descriptive phrase for the process of attrition.
exhaustion: The state of being completely worn out, often a result of attrition.
erosion: The gradual destruction or diminution of something, similar to attrition but often referring to physical or abstract concepts.

reinforcement: The action of strengthening or increasing.
buildup: An increase in size, amount, or intensity.
growth: The process of increasing in size or number.

Commonly confused with

annihilation: 'Annihilation' is complete destruction, often sudden. 'Attrition' is a gradual wearing down, not necessarily total destruction.

Word family

attrite (verb): To wear down or reduce by attrition (less common).

Collocations

war of attrition
rate of attrition
natural attrition
attrition warfare

Example sentences

"The general opted for a strategy of attrition, hoping to wear down the enemy's superior numbers over time." Describing military strategy.
"Due to budget cuts, the company decided to reduce its workforce through natural attrition rather than forced layoffs." In a business context.
"The long legal battle became a war of attrition, with both sides exhausting their resources." Referring to a prolonged struggle.

Memory hook

Think of 'AT-TRITION' as 'AT-TRIP-ping' an enemy repeatedly, wearing them down until they fall. Gradual Wearing Down

When not to use

Do not use 'attrition' for a sudden, decisive defeat or a rapid, intentional reduction (like layoffs). It implies a gradual, wearing-down process.

Fun facts

World War I is often cited as a classic example of a 'war of attrition', with both sides suffering immense casualties in prolonged trench warfare.