Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Attrition'

English Word: Attrition

Key Russian Translations:

• истощение [ɪstɐˈʂːenʲɪje] - [Neutral, Often used in physical or resource contexts]
• потеря [pɐˈtʲerʲə] - [Neutral, Often used for loss of personnel or abstract concepts]
• износ [ɪzˈnos] - [Neutral, Primarily for wear and tear of materials]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in specific contexts like business, military, or mechanics)

Difficulty: B1-B2 (Intermediate; varies slightly by translation and context)

Pronunciation (Russian):

истощение: [ɪstɐˈʂːenʲɪje]

Note on истощение: Stress falls on the third syllable. The "щ" sound is a soft, prolonged "sh" unique to Russian.

потеря: [pɐˈtʲerʲə]

Note on потеря: Stress on the second syllable. The soft "т" requires a slight palatalization.

износ: [ɪzˈnos]

Note on износ: Stress on the second syllable. A straightforward pronunciation for most learners.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Gradual reduction or weakening (e.g., resources, strength)

Translation(s) & Context:

• истощение - Often used for depletion of resources, energy, or health.

Usage Examples:

• Истощение природных ресурсов стало серьезной проблемой.

  The depletion of natural resources has become a serious problem.

• После долгой болезни у него наступило истощение сил.

  After a long illness, he experienced a depletion of strength.

• Истощение запасов воды угрожает региону.

  The depletion of water reserves threatens the region.

2. Loss of personnel or members (e.g., in organizations)

Translation(s) & Context:

• потеря - Refers to loss of staff, members, or participants, often in formal or business contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Компания столкнулась с потерей ключевых сотрудников.

  The company faced the loss of key employees.

• Потеря членов партии снизила её влияние.

  The loss of party members reduced its influence.

• Мы не можем допустить дальнейшую потерю персонала.

  We cannot afford further loss of staff.

3. Wear and tear (e.g., of materials or equipment)

Translation(s) & Context:

• износ - Specifically refers to physical wear of objects or machinery.

Usage Examples:

• Износ оборудования требует регулярного обслуживания.

  The wear of equipment requires regular maintenance.

• Износ шин стал причиной аварии.

  The wear of the tires caused the accident.

• Этот материал устойчив к износу.

  This material is resistant to wear.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

истощение (Noun, Neuter): Follows the standard neuter noun declension in Russian.

потеря (Noun, Feminine): Follows the standard feminine noun declension (ending in -я).

износ (Noun, Masculine): Follows the standard masculine noun declension.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for истощение:

• упадок (decline)
• ослабление (weakening)

Antonyms for истощение:

• восстановление (recovery)
• накопление (accumulation)

Related Phrases:

• истощение ресурсов - Depletion of resources
• потеря кадров - Loss of personnel
• износ деталей - Wear of parts

Usage Notes:

• The choice between "истощение", "потеря", and "износ" depends heavily on context. Use "истощение" for abstract or physical depletion, "потеря" for loss of people or intangible things, and "износ" strictly for material wear.
• These terms are generally neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal settings, though "износ" is more technical.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "износ" for loss of personnel. Incorrect: "Износ сотрудников". Correct: "Потеря сотрудников". Explanation: "Износ" is only for physical wear, not people.
• Error: Confusing "истощение" with emotional exhaustion without context. Incorrect: "У меня истощение" (ambiguous). Correct: "У меня истощение сил" (clearly means depletion of energy).

Cultural Notes:

In Russian, the concept of "истощение" is often tied to historical contexts of resource scarcity or personal endurance, especially in literature and wartime narratives. Understanding this can add depth to its usage.

Related Concepts:

• упадок (decline)
• убыток (loss, damage)
• разрушение (destruction)