attrite

Grind down gradually

Attrite means to wear down through sustained pressure or attrition.

In military contexts, it describes gradually depleting enemy forces through continuous engagement rather than decisive battle: The strategy was to attrite their reserves over months.

In business, it refers to reducing workforce through natural departure rather than layoffs: We'll attrite the department by not replacing retirees.

The word is jargon—a back-formation from attrition that strikes many ears as awkward.

contrite

remorseful

Feeling guilt for wrongdoing

regretful · sorrowful · rueful · ashamed · guilt-ridden · conscience-stricken · shamefaced · compunctious · chastened · humbled

wear

eroded

Gradually degraded by elements

degraded · diminished · rubbed · chafed · frayed · corroded · deteriorated · depleted · reduced · thinned

military

deplete

Greatly reduce supply

reduce · sap · drain · decimate · demoralize · outmaneuver · casualties · guerrilla · siege · warfare

workforce

turnover

Sales volume or attrition

  • churnAgitate cream into butter
  • resignVoluntarily leave office
  • quitCease doing something

departure · retention · layoffs · downsizing · resignation · retirement

Opposites
mode of reduction

attriteannihilate

Destroy completely, leaving nothing

obliterate · decimate · devastate · demolish · wipe out

effect on strength/resources

attritereinforce

Add strength to something

strengthen · build up · replenish · fortify · bolster

Phrases
Family

attrition, attritions, attritional, attrited

Familiarity
Top 1,000,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Negative · Rated G