Verticordia attenuata is an erect, open shrub with a single stem at its base and which grows to a height of 0.8–1 m (3–3 ft) and 30–60 cm (10–20 in) wide.

[1][3] The specific epithet (attenuata) is derived from the Latin word attenuatus meaning "thin" or "narrowed"[4] referring to the shape of the petals.

[2] George placed this species in subgenus Eperephes, section Verticordella along with V. pennigera, V. halophila, V. blepharophylla, V. lindleyi, V. carinata, V. drummondii, V. wonganensis,V.

[5] Verticordia attenuata is classified as "Priority Three" by the Western Australian Government Department of Parks and Wildlife,[5] meaning that it is poorly known and known from only a few locations but is not under imminent threat.

[6] In cultivation, V. attenuata is a vigorous, hardy and attractive shrub showing potential for use in large rockeries or as a container plant.