usure
/y.zyʁ/
The English word attrition can be translated into French as usure.
The term refers to a gradual reduction in number. In a strategic or military context, the standard way to express a 'war of attrition' is guerre d'usure.
Meaning: gradual reduction in number (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The noun usure is derived from the verb user, which means to use up or to wear down and literally refers to the process of wearing down or wear and tear.
Which one should you use?
While the English word 'attrition' can refer to the reduction of staff, the French word usure focuses more on the process of wearing something down through constant use or pressure. Additionally, La déperdition is a formal term used when the attrition implies a sense of loss or leakage.
How do you pronounce it?
/y.zyʁ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the direct cognate attrition to describe a general reduction in French. In French, attrition is a specialized term used primarily in theology to describe the concept of imperfect repentance.
Did you know?
- While usure means 'wear and tear' in a physical sense, it is also the standard French word for 'usury' or the practice of charging high interest on loans.
- The term déperdition is used when attrition describes a 'leakage' of energy, heat or people, implying a waste of resources rather than just a reduction.
- In French theology, attrition refers to sorrow for one's sins motivated by a fear of punishment rather than a love for God.
Examples in context
- À ce stade, il ne s'agit que d'une guerre d'usure. Seuls ceux qui sont patients peuvent survivre.At this point, it's just a war of attrition. Only those who are patient can survive.This sentence shows how to use usure in the context of a war of attrition.Tatoeba #9206192 by Micsmithel, translation #5722771 by AlanF_US
- Nous menons une guerre d'usure avec les armées de robots.We're fighting a war of attrition with armies of robots.This sentence demonstrates the use of usure within a military context involving robots.Tatoeba #6466810 by Eccles17, translation #12243792 by Miktsoanit
- Nous avons étudié l'attrition dans notre rechercheWe studied attrition in our research
- Il y a une réduction graduelle des effectifsThere is a gradual reduction in staff
- On constate une diminution des effectifs dans cette entrepriseWe're seeing a staff reduction in this company
- La fuite des effectifs est un problème récurrent dans cette industrieStaff leakage is a recurring issue in this industry
- L'érosion des effectifs a un impact sur la productivitéStaff erosion has an impact on productivity
- Le roulement du personnel est élevé dans cette entrepriseStaff turnover is high in this company
Example conversation
Hugo and Léa are discussing their company's high turnover rate.
- HugoLéa, pourquoi perdons-nous autant d'employés ?Léa, why are we losing so many employees?
- LéaC'est une question d'usure due au stress.It is a matter of attrition due to stress.
- HugoNous devons changer notre façon de travailler.We need to change the way we work.
- LéaJe suis d'accord avec toi, Hugo.I agree with you, Hugo.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry usure, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
