attrition
noun
at·tri·tion
| \ ə-ˈtri-shən
, a-\
, a-\
Definition of attrition
1
[ Middle English attricioun, from Medieval Latin, attrition-, attritio, from Latin ]
: sorrow for one's sins that arises from a motive other than that of the love of God
2
: the act of rubbing together : friction
also
: the act of wearing or grinding down by friction
Stones can be smoothed and polished by attrition.
3
: the act of weakening or exhausting by constant harassment, abuse, or attack
a war of attrition
4
: a reduction in numbers usually as a result of resignation, retirement, or death
a company with a high rate of attrition