attrition
attrition Lexical Profile
attrition Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The gradual reduction of the size or strength of a workforce, student body, or organization through normal events such as retirement and resignation rather than layoffs.
"The company plans to reduce its staff numbers through natural attrition rather than redundancies."
The process of gradually reducing the strength, effectiveness, or morale of someone or something through sustained pressure or harassment.
"The prolonged legal dispute became a costly test of attrition for both corporations."
The physical wearing away of a material, rock, or tooth surface by friction or rubbing.
"Dentists often see signs of dental attrition in patients who grind their teeth at night."
Sorrow or repentance for sin motivated by fear of punishment rather than by a pure love of God (in Christian theology).
"Medieval theologians wrote extensively on the distinction between imperfect attrition and true contrition."
Word Nuance & Usage
In Christian theology, 'attrition' refers to imperfect repentance motivated by fear of punishment, in contrast to 'contrition,' which is sincere sorrow for sin motivated by love of God.
• Rhymes for attrition
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed from Late Latin attritio ('a rubbing against'), from the verb atterere ('to rub away, wear down'), formed from ad- ('to, against') and terere ('to rub').