Abstract: A microwave attenuator is constructed on an insulative substrate which supports a resistive region, input/output electrodes and shunt electrodes. The shunt electrodes are preferably constructed using trapezoidally shaped portions on the face of the insulative substrate, on which the resistive region is formed, to increase the width of the electrodes. The shunt electrodes extend down to a ground plane on the face of the insulative substrate opposite the face on which the resistive region is formed. In one embodiment, the shunt electrodes form a wide strip on the outside of a rectangular substrate. In another embodiment, the shunt electrodes extend from the resistive region through holes positioned close to the resistive region.