attrition

C2
Pronunciation
[əˈtɹɪʃən]
Noun
7 definition(s)
1 Definition

Wearing or grinding down by friction.

2 Definition

The gradual reduction in a tangible or intangible resource due to causes that are passive and do not involve productive use of the resource.

3 Definition

(human resources) A gradual, natural reduction in membership or personnel, as through retirement, resignation, or death.

4 Definition

The loss of participants during an experiment.

5 Definition

Imperfect contrition or remorse.

6 Definition

The wearing of teeth due to their grinding.

7 Definition

The loss of a first or second language or a portion of that language.

Verb
3 definition(s)
1 Definition

To grind or wear down through friction.

Synonyms
attrit
Example Sentences
  • attritioned teeth; attritioned rock
2 Definition

To reduce the number of (jobs or workers) by not hiring new employees to fill positions that become vacant (often with out).

Example Sentences
  • As a result of the new policy, people were being attritioned out.
3 Definition

To undergo a reduction in number.

Example Sentences
  • The cohort of one hundred students had attritioned to sixty by the end of secondary school.