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
If Russia cannot convert its manpower advantage into decisive victories, and if Ukraine can keep undermining Moscow’s ability to finance the war, attrition will eventually work in Kyiv’s favor.
—
Olivier Kempf, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
North Carolina Association of Educators President Tamika Walker Kelly placed blame for teacher attrition on the state’s General Assembly.
—Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 24 Mar. 2026
So there’s been an attrition, for sure.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 24 Mar. 2026
On the picket lines, teachers from Twin Rivers and Natomas described high rates of turnover at their schools, and argued that higher compensation and better working conditions would reduce that attrition.
—Sacbee.com, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for attrition
Olivier Kempf, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
North Carolina Association of Educators President Tamika Walker Kelly placed blame for teacher attrition on the state’s General Assembly.
—Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 24 Mar. 2026
So there’s been an attrition, for sure.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 24 Mar. 2026
On the picket lines, teachers from Twin Rivers and Natomas described high rates of turnover at their schools, and argued that higher compensation and better working conditions would reduce that attrition.
—Sacbee.com, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for attrition
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attrition
erosion
Noun
-
There *are* signs of erosion among his base.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Hess said residents raised concerns about erosion, litter, fire risk and nuisance activity.—
Nicole Buss,
Sacbee.com,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Attrition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attrition. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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