as in erosion
a gradual weakening, loss, or destruction
took the machinery out of operation since attrition had led to the main mechanism's breaking
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Recent Examples of attrition
Trump praises Zelensky Western officials and analysts say Ukraine’s prospects have improved after more than four years of a grueling war of attrition as its domestic development and production of cutting-edge drones pin down the bigger Russian army.
—
Illia Novikov,
Los Angeles Times,
25 June 2026
Strategic missteps and internecine fighting have led to key departures and audience attrition.
—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
23 June 2026
After Friday’s 50-minute practice session — the Cup cars’ only time on the track before Saturday’s qualifying and Sunday’s race — drivers were united in their concerns about the multi-surface circuit’s lack of grip, tight walls and fears of a high attrition rate in Sunday’s 75-lap feature.
—
Bill Center,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 June 2026
However, such has been the rate of attrition, the league has yet to see all 13 boats make it through to the end of a race weekend.
—
Andrew Rice,
New York Times,
19 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for attrition
Illia Novikov,
Los Angeles Times,
25 June 2026
Strategic missteps and internecine fighting have led to key departures and audience attrition.
—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
23 June 2026
After Friday’s 50-minute practice session — the Cup cars’ only time on the track before Saturday’s qualifying and Sunday’s race — drivers were united in their concerns about the multi-surface circuit’s lack of grip, tight walls and fears of a high attrition rate in Sunday’s 75-lap feature.
—
Bill Center,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 June 2026
However, such has been the rate of attrition, the league has yet to see all 13 boats make it through to the end of a race weekend.
—
Andrew Rice,
New York Times,
19 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for attrition
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attrition
erosion
Noun
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Sand dunes offer a natural buffer, absorbing wave energy, slowing erosion, and protecting the coastline.
-
Removing trees whose roots help hold soil in place, combined with paving and creating other surfaces that don’t absorb rain and other moisture, could mean further soil erosion in the area, the board wrote.
Cite this Entry
“Attrition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attrition. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
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