C2nounformalworkbusiness
US/əˈtrɪʃ.ən/
UK/əˈtrɪʃ.ən/
a slow fall in staff numbers as people leave and are not replaced; also slow weakening
In context
The company reduced its workforce through attrition rather than layoffs.
High staff attrition is a serious problem for many call centers.
The long strike became a war of attrition between workers and management.
Words that go with attrition
noun + noun
- attrition ratethe percentage of people who leave over a periodThe company's attrition rate rose to twenty percent last year.
- employee attritionthe loss of staff over timePoor management is a main cause of employee attrition.
adjective + noun
- natural attritionreducing staff numbers as people retire or leaveThe bank cut jobs through natural attrition, not layoffs.
- high attritiona large number of people leavingHigh attrition in call centers makes training expensive.