1. wears away or reduces gradually through friction, use, or erosion
Usage: third person singular present tense of 'attrite'; technical or formal usage
2. reduces the workforce through attrition rather than layoffs
Usage: business or organizational context

Examples

• Constant friction attrites the metal surface over time.
• The river attrites the rocks as it flows downstream.
• The company attrites its staff by not replacing departing employees.
• Wind and water attrite the canyon walls year after year.
• Management attrites the department gradually rather than conducting mass layoffs.
• Repeated use attrites the rubber sole of the shoe.