Attrition/əˈtrɪʃn/ Definition 1 of 5Pro Tip 1/3Continuous Process Think of attrition as a slow, ongoing process, not a sudden event. The machines underwent attrition after years of non-stop operation. Pro Tip 2/3Weakening Effect Attrition results in something becoming weaker or less effective. The constant attrition of rocks by the sea shaped the coastline. Pro Tip 3/3Not Always Negative Attrition can be positive when it helps remove outdated practices. The attrition of old technologies paved the way for innovation.