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

Supporters say the measure would cut systemic bureaucracy and fragmentation. — Jenny Jarvie follow, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026

However, vulnerabilities remain and include privacy and discretion in transactions, market accessibility, and jurisdictional fragmentation, all of which facilitate illicit financial flows. — Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 2 Nov. 2026

In junkspace, Koolhaas argues, formal strategies associated with modern art and design—abstraction, functionalism, fragmentation, radical juxtaposition—are hastily and unceremoniously redeployed in the ordinary language of commerce. — Alec Mapes-Frances, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2026

Like all health care in the United States, fertility care is mired by fragmentation and inadequate transparency on cost, price, and billing. — Pooja Yerramilli, STAT, 28 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