attrition
noun
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Word History of Attrition
The earliest meaning of the English attrition related to spiritual repentance was borrowed from the figurative meaning of the medieval Latin etymon attritio: "hardship, tribulation." This figurative meaning stemmed from the earlier uses of attritio that refer to bruising or wearing away by rubbing—two processes that, when applied to the body, can feel like tribulation. One obsolete and early use of the English attrition referred to the breaking or crushing of tissue, and was used in medical contexts.
The newer senses of attrition are little more than a century old. The common phrase war of attrition refers to a sustained effort to steadily wear down the defenses of an opponent, with the result that they are rendered weaker and less effective. From this sense comes the still-later meaning that refers to a reduction in numbers by a gradual and natural "wearing down" of an organization's ranks through death, retirement, or resignation.
Examples of attrition in a Sentence
James Lardner, New York Review of Books, 14 June 2007
Younger operatives are resigning in droves, because they have given up hope of reform. The attrition was sufficient to provoke an investigation by the inspector general in 1996.
—Edward G. Shirley, Atlantic, February 1998
This had led the British to look upon these sieges as an opportunity to deplete the German army by the gradual process of attrition. Because by 1917, they had so many cannon and such immense supplies of ammunition, they believed that their attacks could inflict more manpower losses than they themselves would suffer.
—Archer Jones, Elements of Military Strategy, 1996
Attrition is high among social workers because of the difficult work and poor pay.
took the machinery out of operation since attrition had led to the main mechanism's breaking
Michael Kimmage, Foreign Affairs, 7 Nov. 2024
The match lasted two or three minutes, a relative war of attrition in conker terms.
—Jamie Barton, CNN, 3 Nov. 2024
But the organization remains capable of drawing the Israeli army into a ground war of attrition and sending thousands of Israelis into shelters every day.
—Kim Ghattas, The Atlantic, 2 Nov. 2024
Chumbley says her revenue has tumbled 50% the past two years and her staff has shrunk from 14 employees to seven through layoffs or attrition.
—Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 20 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for attrition 
Dictionary Entries Near attrition
Cite this Entry
“Attrition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/attrition. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.
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attrition
noun
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attrition
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