Attrition — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms
Meaning & Definition of Attrition
Attrition (noun)
- a reduction in numbers (as of employees or participants) usually as a result of resignation, retirement, or death
- the act of weakening or exhausting by constant harassment, abuse, or attack
- the act of rubbing together, friction; also, the act of wearing or grinding down by friction
Attrition (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms
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a gradual weakening, loss, or destruction
"took the machinery out of operation since attrition had led to the main mechanism's breaking"
Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Attrition
The most common words with a similar meaning to Attrition:
Antonyms & Opposite Words for Attrition
Words with the opposite meaning of Attrition:
Near Antonyms of Attrition
Word Forms of Attrition
Derived words: attritional (adjective)
Origin & Etymology of Attrition
borrowed from Late Latin attrītiōn-, attrītiō "act of wearing away, diminishment," from Latin attrī-, variant stem of atterere "to rub (against), wear away, diminish, impair" (from at- at- + terere "to rub, grind, wear down") + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action; (sense 1) Middle English attricioun "repentance falling short of contrition," borrowed from Medieval Latin attrītiōn-, attrītiō, going back to Latin trite
First known use: 14th century
Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Attrition
- CEFR level: C2 English Vocabulary — Page 7
- Topics: Advanced GRE / C2
Frequently Asked Questions about Attrition
What does "Attrition" mean?
"Attrition" means a reduction in numbers (as of employees or participants) usually as a result of resignation, retirement, or death. As a noun, it is defined as: a reduction in numbers (as of employees or participants) usually as a result of resignation, retirement, or death.
What is another word for "Attrition"?
Other words for "Attrition" include corrosion, erosion, undermining and waste. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Attrition" you intend.
What is the opposite of "Attrition"?
Antonyms of "Attrition" include buildup. Near antonyms include gain and increase.
How do you use "Attrition" in a sentence?
Examples of "Attrition" in a sentence: "took the machinery out of operation since attrition had led to the main mechanism's breaking".
Is "Attrition" a noun, verb, or adjective?
"Attrition" is a noun.
Is "Attrition" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?
As a C2-level word, "Attrition" is typical of Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE), IELTS band 8.5–9.0, TOEFL iBT 114–120, PTE Academic 85–90. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.
How do you pronounce "Attrition"?
"Attrition" is pronounced /ə-ˈtri-shən/ and divided into syllables as at·tri·tion.
What is the origin of the word "Attrition"?
"Attrition" comes from borrowed from Late Latin attrītiōn-, attrītiō "act of wearing away, diminishment," from Latin attrī-, variant stem of atterere "to rub (against), wear away, diminish, impair" (from at- at- + terere "to rub, grind, wear down") + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action; (sense 1) Middle English attricioun "repentance falling short of contrition," borrowed from Medieval Latin attrītiōn-, attrītiō, going back to Latin trite. First known use: 14th century.