attrite

Attrite is a term used to describe something that has been worn down or reduced by friction, abrasion, or constant attrition. It can refer to a physical object that has been eroded over time due to repeated contact with another surface. For example, a river stone can become attrite through the constant movement of water and sediment. Similarly, the edges of a tool can become attrite with repeated use.

Beyond the physical, attrite can also describe a state of being worn down emotionally or mentally. This can occur through prolonged stress, hardship, or repeated disappointment. An individual might feel attrite after facing numerous setbacks in their career or personal life. This sense of being worn down can lead to a feeling of fatigue, discouragement, or a diminished capacity to cope.

The concept of attrition itself implies a gradual wearing away or weakening, often through consistent, though not necessarily intense, force or pressure. This can be applied to abstract concepts as well, such as the attrite condition of a political movement that has lost public support over time due to a series of unforced errors and scandals. The word emphasizes the process of gradual reduction and the resulting weakened state.