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

Extreme fragmentation across verticals Youth sports remains extraordinarily fragmented with thousands of independent clubs, hundreds of regional tournament operators, dozens of niche software or video-analysis providers, and event companies with highly localized or sports specific reach. —Chris Russo, Sportico.com, 19 Dec. 2025

Still, bobcats face the active threats of habitat fragmentation, human interference, and climate change, as well as dwindling prey populations. —Staff Author, PEOPLE, 18 Dec. 2025

Guterres said such unilateral actions risk deepening divisions, hardening positions and accelerating fragmentation, with potential spillover effects on regional security, including the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and the Horn of Africa. —Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 17 Dec. 2025

Among the challenges in scaling up is not just reducing fragmentation in India’s textile recycling ecosystem, but also the need to address labor conditions and create dignified jobs for waste workers. —Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 15 Dec. 2025

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