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

The new fractional-ownership firm Bond and charter providers such as AB Jets are buying into the category in volume. —Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 14 Dec. 2025

Portfolio careers as fractional executives, content creators, independent operators are possible. —Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 11 Dec. 2025

Club members, as fractional owners of the superyacht, will be able to vote on the yacht’s destinations. —Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2025

Most of all, such a trailer should cost less than the vehicle towing it – way less, like a fractional amount. —New Atlas, 7 Dec. 2025

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