Attrition: Definition & Meaning for the SAT
⚡️ ATTRITION most nearly means: (A) sudden victory; (B) emotional attachment; (C) magnetic attraction; (D) gradual reduction. 👉 Answer + examples, pronunciation, and explanation inside.
📣 TL;DR: Attrition means gradual reduction through wearing down or weakening. Mnemonic to help remember: ATTRITION sounds TRISH, who is WISHIN' to go away and disappear.
ℹ️ Part of Speech of Attrition
attrition is a NOUN.
🗣️ Pronunciation of Attrition
attrition is pronounced /ə.ˈtrɪ.ʃən/ or uh-TRISH-un.
📚️ Definition of Attrition
The gradual reduction in strength, numbers, or value through sustained pressure, continuous loss, or natural wastage. Example: employee attrition through retirement and resignation.
📰 Examples of Attrition
Here are some examples of the word attrition:
The startup's attrition rate shot up after they announced no more free cafeteria food.
Through a war of attrition, the army slowly exhausted the enemy.
The professor noticed significant attrition in her 8 AM calculus class, with attendance dropping from 220 students in September to barely 80 by finals week.
✅ Quiz answer
Answer to the question above:
D, gradual reduction. Explanations: A doesn't work; sudden victory would be more like triumph or conquest. B could be affection or fondness. C refers to physical or metaphorical magnetism or allure, which is completely different from attrition.