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

Many beginners start with 1-ounce coins or fractional sizes like 1/10 or 1/4 ounce to build flexibility into their investment. —Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2026

At Augusta Regional Airport, Flexjet sets up a temporary headquarters for fractional owners. —Daniel Cote, Robb Report, 19 Apr. 2026

Both sides of the labor market are fueling a growth in fractional work. —Dorie Clark, Harvard Business Review, 17 Apr. 2026

Together with micro-investing apps, fractional trading has reshaped how individuals access the market, making price less of a barrier. —Bruce Blythe, Encyclopedia Britannica, 17 Apr. 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