1. the process of gradually wearing down or weakening something through sustained attack or pressure
2. the gradual reduction in the number of employees through resignation, retirement, or death rather than layoffs
Usage: business
3. the act of rubbing against something causing it to wear away

Examples

• The army won through attrition, slowly wearing down the enemy’s resistance.
• The company reduced its workforce through natural attrition rather than layoffs.
• Years of attrition had worn smooth grooves in the stone steps.
• The high attrition rate among new teachers concerned the school district.
• Constant attrition from wind and rain carved the canyon walls.
• The manager expected some attrition as older employees retired.
• Rock attrition created the sandy beach over thousands of years.