ATTRITION Synonyms: 12 Similar and Opposite Words

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

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of attrition At the time, the fintech company boasted around 4,500 staffers—and after letting natural attrition run its course at a rate of 20% of workers leaving each year—the workforce was whittled down to 3,500 by 2024. —

Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 1 June 2026 Russia has built a war machine optimized for endurance and attrition; Ukraine is answering with adaptation, precision, and systemic disruption of Russia’s war machine through strategic attack. —

David A. Deptula, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026 As the conflict became a war of attrition, Belarus has played a key role in supporting Moscow’s war effort. —

ABC News, 31 May 2026 This was the deepest team in the NHL, built to survive the war of attrition in the Stanley Cup playoffs. —

Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for attrition

Recent Examples of Synonyms for attrition

erosion

Noun

Nearly half of that erosion occurred between March and April alone.

— Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 2 June 2026
If the erosion is structural, the fix has to be structural too.

— Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026