Attrition

Pronunciation: /əˈtrɪʃən/

Definitions of attrition

noun the gradual reduction of a workforce by employees leaving and not being replaced

Example Sentences

A1 Attrition in the company has led to a decrease in the number of employees.

A2 The attrition rate at the factory is higher this year compared to last year.

B1 The company is facing challenges due to high attrition among its workforce.

B2 The management is implementing strategies to reduce attrition and retain top talent.

C1 An analysis of attrition patterns revealed certain trends that need to be addressed.

C2 The HR department is conducting exit interviews to understand the reasons behind attrition.

Examples of attrition in a Sentence

formal The company is experiencing a high rate of attrition among its employees.

informal A lot of people have been quitting their jobs at the company.

slang There's been a lot of turnover at the company lately.

figurative The attrition of our team members is like a leak in a sinking ship.

Grammatical Forms of attrition

• past tense: attrited
• plural: attritions
• comparative: more attritional
• superlative: most attritional
• present tense: attrites
• future tense: will attrite
• perfect tense: have attrited
• continuous tense: is attriting
• singular: attrition
• positive degree: attrition
• infinitive: to attrite
• gerund: attriting
• participle: attriting

Origin and Evolution of attrition

First Known Use: 0014 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'attrition' originated from the Latin word 'attritio' meaning 'rubbing against, wearing down'.

Evolution of the word: Originally used in a physical sense of wearing down, 'attrition' evolved to also describe the gradual reduction or weakening of a group through repeated attacks or pressure, especially in a military context. In modern usage, it can also refer to the process of gradually reducing something in size or strength through sustained effort or pressure.