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 response to disorderly yield fragmentation among member states, the European Central Bank could consider deploying its Transmission Protection Instrument to purchase sovereign bonds in secondary markets and contain borrowing costs. — CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026

Any fragmentation of your attention takes you out of the present. — Kara Alaimo, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2026

The system can fire a 30mm proximity-sensing high-explosive fragmentation round. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 7 Oct. 2026

Another way to overcome fragmentation and boost growth is to develop the African Continental Free Trade Area, a pact ratified by 50 of Africa’s countries aimed at creating one of the world’s biggest duty-free zones. — Jared Cohen, Foreign Affairs, 7 Oct. 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