fractional

adjective

frac·​tion·​al ˈfrak-sh(ə-)nəl 

1

: of, relating to, or being a fraction

2

: of, relating to, or being fractional currency

3

: relatively small : inconsiderable

4

: of, relating to, or involving a process for separating components of a mixture through differences in physical or chemical properties

fractional distillation

fractionally adverb

Examples of fractional in a Sentence

There has been a fractional rise in the price of the stock.

There is only a fractional improvement in the new version.

Recent Examples on the Web

For example, a team comprising an outsourced CIO plus a fractional controller and administrative support to start will often function well for a first-time family office. —Ellie Perlman, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025

Since these fractional interests are illiquid, parents can claim a discount on the taxable value. —Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 23 Aug. 2025

This method calculated a fractional reduction in fuel consumption based on current and future fuel economy requirements. —Ignacio Calderon, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2025

If the good outweighs the bad, even by a fractional amount, Michigan will view the investment as worthwhile. —Jon Wilner, Mercury News, 18 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

fraction + -al entry 1

First Known Use

1650, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing fractional

• fractional currency

Rhymes for fractional

• factional
• interactional
• redactional
• transactional

Kids Definition

fractional

adjective

frac·​tion·​al ˈfrak-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

1

: of, relating to, or being a fraction

fractional equivalents of percentages

2

: fairly small

fractionally

-ē

adverb

Medical Definition

fractional

adjective

frac·​tion·​al -shən-ᵊl, -shnəl 

: of, relating to, or involving a process for separating components of a mixture through differences in physical or chemical properties

fractional distillation