This paper overviews the present understanding of sulfate attack on concrete and or cementitious materials (CBM), with importance on the sources, behavior, and deterioration mechanism. This paper considers the physical and chemical perspective degradation of CBM. Thus attempts to provide general guidance to diagnose the sulfate attack and its progress in the attack and consequences. The main factors for sulfate attack like the presence of carbonates, sulfates, moisture, and low temperatures (<15oC) are discussed. The sulfate attack depends on the surrounding environment, atmospheric conditions, processing conditions of the CBM, and proportions and quality of the mixed ingredients. In conclusion, to understand the deterioration process by sulfate attack, the surrounding environment/site conditions and material composition of the CBM are to be considered for enhancing the service life of concrete/cement-based structures.