attrition
//əˈtrɪʃ.ən//
Noun
attritionSingular
attritionsPlural
1
The gradual reduction in the number of employees or members through resignation, retirement, or death rather than through dismissal.
The company is reducing its workforce through attrition rather than layoffs.
2
The process of gradually wearing down or weakening something through sustained attack or pressure.
The army's strategy was one of attrition, slowly wearing down the enemy's defenses.
3
The wearing away of a surface by friction or erosion.
The attrition of the rock surface was caused by years of wind and sand.