attrition
noun
a reduction or decrease in numbers, size, or strength.
attritional
-
a word derived from
attrition.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It sought to squeeze as many resources out of the region as possible, with years of attritional warfare having taken its toll on the home front.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 29, 2026
As England struggled during the Ashes, Stokes' batting became increasingly attritional, as if the captain was demonstrating the fight he wanted from his team-mates.
From BBC ● Jun. 8, 2026
Military experts don’t expect the pattern of attritional fighting to change this year.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 29, 2026
Launching his 20th Australian Open campaign, Monfils outlasted Sweeny, who is 15 years his junior, in an attritional first set.
From Barron's ● Jan. 20, 2026
The attritional effect of repeated raids may be very great.
From Sound Military Decision by Edward C. (Edward Clifford) Kalbfus
