Attrit

Pronunciation: /əˈtrɪt/

Definitions of attrit

verb to gradually reduce the strength or effectiveness of something through sustained attack or pressure

Example Sentences

A1 The company attrits old employees to make room for new hires.

A2 Over time, the constant friction attrits the surface of the rock.

B1 The harsh weather conditions attrit the paint on the exterior of the house.

B2 The ongoing conflict attrits the morale of the team members.

C1 The prolonged stress of the job attrits the mental health of the employees.

C2 The relentless criticism from the media attrits the politician's public image.

Examples of attrit in a Sentence

formal The company decided to attrit a portion of its workforce in order to cut costs.

informal I heard they're going to attrit some employees next month.

slang They're attritting people left and right over there.

figurative Constant stress can attrit a person's mental health over time.

Grammatical Forms of attrit

• past tense: attritted
• plural: attrits
• comparative: more attrit
• superlative: most attrit
• present tense: attrits
• future tense: will attrit
• perfect tense: have attritted
• continuous tense: is attritting
• singular: attrit
• positive degree: attrit
• infinitive: to attrit
• gerund: attritting
• participle: attritting

Origin and Evolution of attrit

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'attrit' originated from the Latin word 'attrit-' which means 'worn away'.

Evolution of the word: Originally used in a literal sense to describe something being worn away or eroded, the word 'attrit' has evolved to also be used in a figurative sense to describe a gradual reduction in numbers or strength through sustained attack or pressure.