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 jet cards, which fill the wide gap between chartering trip by trip and the commitment of fractional ownership (generally at least 50 hours per year and a five-year commitment), could also benefit from economic uncertainty and tariffs. —Doug Gollan, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025

And fractional executives are frequently filled by specialized placement agencies. —Amy Lindgren, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2025

The company had to step into fractional executive roles for its clients. —Molly Peck, USA TODAY, 7 Mar. 2025

That statistic and the current trajectory of the business only underline that the fractional option’s future appears decidedly solid. —Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 2 Feb. 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