Vocabulary Builder — Essay & Answer Writing
Attrition
The gradual reduction in strength, effectiveness, or numbers of an opponent through sustained pressure, losses, or wearing down over time
Latin attritio — from atterere (to rub against, wear away); from ad- (to) + terere (to rub). Entered military vocabulary via medieval Latin, later broadened to civilian and policy contexts.
"The government's counter-insurgency strategy in Chhattisgarh shifted from attrition-based operations to a development-led approach after the 2025 Bastar peace initiative showed declining Naxal recruitment."
High-value word for GS-3 (Internal Security) and GS-2 (Governance) answers. Use in the context of LWE (Left Wing Extremism) policy — the debate between 'war of attrition' (continuous security operations to reduce Naxal numbers) versus 'hearts and minds' (development-driven) approaches. Also relevant to GS-2 for workforce attrition in public services or bureaucratic capacity. In 2026, with Naxal territorial shrinkage accelerating, examiners expect candidates to explain how attrition alone cannot deliver lasting peace without political will. Distinguish from 'elimination' (sudden, targeted) — attrition implies gradual, sustained wearing down.
