Definition of "attritional"

After months of attritional, heavy-handed flirting […]

2009 February 1, Victoria Coren, “Ah, first love … lots of Steven Berkoff and no snogging”, in The Guardian

Sighted on Habitat 7, this unknown species has proven to be extremely dangerous. Their armor and equipment suggest a technologically advanced species capable of spaceflight, while their battle tactics indicate attritional warfare with a centralized command.

2017, BioWare, Mass Effect: Andromeda, Redwood City: Electronic Arts, PC, scene: Unknown Species Codex entry

The drama of the finale was at odds with almost of all the match, which was an attritional affair on a tricky surface.

2019 July 14, Stephan Shemilt, “England win Cricket World Cup: Ben Stokes stars in dramatic finale against New Zealand”, in BBC Sport‎, London