Synonyms of attrition

attrition

noun

ə-ˈtri-shən 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• erosion
• corrosion
• decay
• waste
• decomposition
• disintegration
• undermining
• breakdown
• dissolution

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• increase
• buildup
• gain

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of attrition

Baker said, as far as the union can tell, there’s no system in place to account for attrition. — Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 13 Oct. 2026

An endless war of attrition benefits only the makers of weapons and coffins. — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026

Weaker formations suffer heavier losses, creating a cycle of high attrition and constant replenishment. — Samya Kullab, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026

For example, the study found that Black young people and other racially minoritized groups had worse attrition through the stages of care than their white peers. — Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 2 Oct. 2026