fragmentation

noun

frag·​men·​ta·​tion ˌfrag-mən-ˈtā-shən 

-ˌmen-

1

: the act or process of fragmenting or making fragmentary

2

: the state of being fragmented or fragmentary

fragmentate

ˈfrag-mən-ˌtāt 

verb

Examples of fragmentation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In practice, money in This fragmentation has fueled the expansion of an informal economy that now plays a central role in daily life. —Oscar De La Rosa, Boston Herald, 3 Apr. 2026

The dorado's route is now threatened by hydropower dams and river fragmentation, which block the fish from reaching their breeding sites and cause steep population declines. —Christopher Edwards, PEOPLE, 1 Apr. 2026

Europe’s fragmentation can also offer untold opportunities for innovation and creativity. —Francesca Cassidy, Fortune, 31 Mar. 2026

The progenitor of this family is thought to be the fragmentation of a large sungrazing comet described by the ancient Greek philosopherAristotle in 371 BC. —Joe Rao, Space.com, 31 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

fragment entry 2 + -ation, probably after French fragmentation

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing fragmentation

• fragmentation bomb
• fragmentation grenade

Rhymes for fragmentation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation