Attrition (Noun)
Meaning 1
The act of rubbing together; wearing something down by friction.
Classification
Nouns denoting acts or actions.
Examples
- The constant attrition of the two rocks against each other had smoothed out their rough edges over time.
- The friction from the rotating gears caused significant attrition on the motor's bearings, requiring frequent replacement.
- Years of attrition from the pounding surf had eroded the coastline, wearing down the once-towering cliffs.
- The mechanical stress and attrition on the drill bit made it difficult to maintain its cutting efficiency.
- The constant attrition of the tires on the road surface caused excessive wear and tear, requiring regular replacement.
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Meaning 2
Sorrow for sin arising from fear of damnation.
Classification
Nouns denoting feelings and emotions.
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Meaning 3
Erosion by friction.
Classification
Nouns denoting natural processes.
Examples
- The rock formations were reduced over time by the constant attrition from the wind and sand.
- Attrition from the water rushing over the dam's edge caused significant damage to the concrete structure.
- The abrasion and attrition from the continuous flow of water eventually smoothed out the rough edges of the stones.
- The ski rental shop experienced attrition of its equipment over the season from the friction of the numerous skiers using them.
- Years of attrition from the raging river had carved out a deep canyon in the landscape.
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Meaning 4
The wearing down of rock particles by friction due to water or wind or ice.
Classification
Nouns denoting natural phenomena.
Examples
- The constant pounding of the waves against the shore caused significant attrition of the cliff face over time.
- Attrition by wind and sand had smoothed the rough edges of the desert rocks into rounded pebbles.
- The glacier's slow movement caused attrition of the underlying bedrock, creating a U-shaped valley.
- The river's current was strong enough to cause attrition of the rocks and pebbles, wearing them down into sand and silt.
- Years of attrition by the ocean's waves had reduced the once-towering sea stack to a small, rounded nub.
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Meaning 5
A wearing down to weaken or destroy; "a war of attrition".
Classification
Nouns denoting natural events.
Examples
- The enemy's strategy was to use attrition to wear down the opposing army's defenses over time.
- The company's high employee turnover rate was a result of attrition, as many workers left due to poor working conditions.
- The constant barrage of negative reviews was a form of attrition that eventually led to the restaurant's closure.
- The war of attrition between the two nations had been ongoing for years, with no end in sight.
- The prolonged economic downturn was a war of attrition on the middle class, slowly eroding their financial stability.