Definition of Attrition
Quick Meaning of Attrition
When employees slowly leave their jobs (by quitting or retiring) and the company does not replace them immediately; slow loss of people.
Detailed Definition of Attrition
Gradual reduction in the number of employees due to resignation, retirement, or other causes; the process of wearing something down.
How to Pronounce Attrition
Stress pattern: oOo (3-syllable word).
Tip: uh-TRISH-un. Stress the second syllable TRISH. The 'a' at the start is a schwa (uh) sound.
Watch out: Learners sometimes pronounce it ay-TRISH-un or stress the first syllable. Correct: uh-TRISH-un.
Origin and Etymology of Attrition
From Latin 'attritio' (rubbing against), from 'atterere' (to wear down), combining 'ad-' (to) + 'terere' (to rub/wear). Originally a theological term; entered business vocabulary in the 1960s-70s to describe workforce reduction.
How to Use Attrition in a Sentence
Each example shows “attrition” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
-
“High attrition rates can hurt team morale and productivity.”
-
“The company managed attrition through voluntary retirement packages.”
-
“Our department saw attrition of 20% this year.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Attrition
Common Synonyms for Attrition
Smart Synonyms for Attrition — When to Use Each
- turnover
- Rate at which people leave and are replaced
- departure
- The act of leaving; more neutral than attrition
- workforce reduction
- Intentional decrease in employee numbers
Common Collocations with Attrition
These phrases pair with “attrition” in everyday English:
- attrition rate
- high attrition
- natural attrition
- staff attrition
- reduce attrition
Common Mistakes When Using Attrition
Even fluent speakers slip up with “attrition”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: Attrition are increasing in the IT department.
- ✓ Correct: Attrition is increasing in the IT department.
- Why: Attrition is uncountable/singular; use 'is' not 'are'.
- ✗ Wrong: We need to reduce the attrition of employees that leave.
- ✓ Correct: We need to reduce employee attrition.
- Why: Attrition already means employees leaving; avoid redundancy.
- ✗ Wrong: High attrition from our company last year was bad to morale.
- ✓ Correct: High attrition last year was bad for team morale.
- Why: Use 'for' not 'to' when expressing impact; and 'team' clarifies.
Other Forms of Attrition
- Noun: attrition
Frequently Asked Questions About Attrition
What is the meaning of "Attrition"?
When employees slowly leave their jobs (by quitting or retiring) and the company does not replace them immediately; slow loss of people.
How do you pronounce "Attrition"?
The IPA is /əˈtrɪʃən/. uh-TRISH-un. Stress the second syllable TRISH. The 'a' at the start is a schwa (uh) sound.
What part of speech is "Attrition"?
"Attrition" is a noun at C1 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Attrition"?
Common synonyms include turnover, departure, loss.
How do you use "Attrition" in a sentence?
For example: "High attrition rates can hurt team morale and productivity."