war of attrition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "war of attrition" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a protracted struggle between opponents in which both sides are exhausted by the sustained effort and losses, but neither is able to gain a decisive advantage. For example, "The war of attrition between the two companies had been going on for years, with neither side seeming to gain any ground."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It's war of attrition.

The New York Times

A war of attrition began.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It's like a war of attrition.

The New York Times

It was Mdala's war of attrition.

Independent

"This is a war of attrition.

The New York Times

"Life's a war of attrition," he said.

The Guardian - Film

It's a long, hard war of attrition.

The Guardian

"It's sort of a war of attrition.

The New York Times

It's going to be a long war of attrition".

The Guardian - Business

It was a war of attrition that nobody could win.

The Guardian - Books

It's going to be a war of attrition".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "war of attrition" to describe situations not only in military contexts, but also in business, politics, or personal relationships where endurance and resilience are key to success.

Common error

Avoid using "war of attrition" to describe short-term conflicts or situations where a quick resolution is expected. The phrase implies a lengthy and sustained effort.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "war of attrition" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a specific type of conflict characterized by prolonged struggle and gradual depletion of resources, as shown by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

81%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "war of attrition" accurately describes a drawn-out conflict where success hinges on gradually weakening the opponent. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and frequently used, especially in News & Media contexts. When writing, remember that "war of attrition" implies a long-term engagement and should not be used for short, decisive battles. Consider alternatives like "protracted conflict" or "long-term struggle" to add variety to your writing. By understanding the nuance of this phrase, you can effectively communicate the nature of prolonged and challenging situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

protracted conflict

Focuses on the length and drawn-out nature of the conflict.

long-term struggle

Emphasizes the extended duration and difficulty of the fight.

gradual wearing-down process

Highlights the slow and incremental nature of the weakening of opponents.

battle of endurance

Stresses the importance of stamina and the ability to withstand hardship.

sustained campaign

Implies a continuous and unrelenting effort over a significant period.

drawn-out contest

Underscores the protracted and often tedious nature of the competition.

relentless pressure

Focuses on the continuous and unyielding application of force.

slow burn

Highlights the gradual and almost imperceptible escalation of the conflict.

long haul

Emphasizes the need for perseverance and long-term commitment.

battle of wills

Stresses the psychological aspect of the conflict, where the stronger will prevails.

FAQs

How to use "war of attrition" in a sentence?

Use "war of attrition" to describe a situation where two sides are engaged in a prolonged struggle, each trying to wear down the other. For example, "The negotiations turned into a "war of attrition", with neither side willing to concede".

What's a synonym for "war of attrition"?

Synonyms include "protracted conflict", "long-term struggle", or "battle of endurance". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "war of attrition" only used in military contexts?

No, while the phrase originates from military strategy, it can be applied to various situations involving prolonged struggles in business, politics, or even personal relationships. The key is the element of sustained effort and gradual wearing down.

What's the difference between "war of attrition" and "all-out war"?

A "war of attrition" focuses on gradually weakening the enemy over time, while an "all-out war" involves a full-scale, immediate commitment of resources and force, aiming for a swift and decisive victory.