Word
attenuation
Phoneticsat·ten·u·a·tion, stress on the fourth syllable
US/əˌtɛnjuˈeɪʃən/
UK/ɐtˌɛnjuːˈeɪʃən/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the process of making something weaker or less strong. In science, it often describes how a signal or light gets weaker as it travels through a material.
n. the reduction in the strength or intensity of a signal, wave, or physical property as it passes through a medium. Often used in technical contexts to describe the loss of energy or power during transmission.
Examples
“The signal suffered from high attenuation over the long cable.”
“Engineers must account for signal attenuation when designing the network to ensure data remains clear over long distances.”
“The study measured the attenuation of seismic waves as they passed through different layers of the Earth's crust, providing critical data for mapping geological structures.”
Examples
simple
“The signal suffered from high attenuation over the long cable.”
contextual
“Engineers must account for signal attenuation when designing the network to ensure data remains clear over long distances.”
complex
“The study measured the attenuation of seismic waves as they passed through different layers of the Earth's crust, providing critical data for mapping geological structures.”
Real-World Examples
“He said that implant-to-implant radio communication systems run into attenuation issues if the signal has to travel more than one centimeter through the tissue.” “The signals also behave differently: "In the leaves, warning signals often propagate over long distances without significant attenuation.” Etymology
From Middle English attenuacioun, a borrowing from Latin attenuātiō (“a diminishing”). Equivalent to attenuate + -ion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/attenuation