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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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 But the attrition rate — and therefore, the satisfaction rate — could be alleviated if nurses entered the workforce with more intentional training and support. Shakira Henderson, Sun Sentinel, 18 May 2025 The agency plans to cut more than 1,000 staff positions through attrition over the next few years as the Trump administration shrinks the federal government, according to officials briefed on the plans. Mark Landler, New York Times, 1 May 2025 Moreover, Russia has more men than Ukraine and North Korea to the rescue, which means a greater mobilization reserve for the Kremlin to continue the war of attrition. Isabel Van Brugen, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025 Maybe building a roster for the long haul — one designed to win wars of attrition — is the true counter to teams stacked with top-heavy star power. Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 18 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for attrition
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attrition
erosion
Noun
  • In 1950, the wall was reconstructed to control erosion and create artificial beaches.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 23 May 2025
  • Concrete sea walls, like the one proposed for a 257-foot stretch in Half Moon Bay, have been proposed to prevent further erosion along the coast, though the proposals have faced local opposition from residents.
    Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Attrition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attrition. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

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