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

If a company lacks the internal staff to execute a plan a fractional CMO proposes, a fractional CMO won’t work. — Zach Thompson, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 2026

Too often, the companies responsible are not held to account, while the people affected have little or no access to remedy, and a fractional stake in the value their work creates. — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 5 Nov. 2026

Below is a primer on some of the various ways to score a seat on a private aircraft—from fly-share services and traditional charters to fractional ownership, and more. — Debra Kamin, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Oct. 2026

As financial markets have become more accessible, consumers have begun trading sophisticated financial instruments, purchasing fractional shares and gaining exposure to alternative assets in minutes. — Aneri Jambusaria, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026

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