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

Pamela Foley, chief brand marketing strategist and fractional CMO at Hey Visible, added $13k monthly recurring revenue in one week. —Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025

The 896 figure includes a mixture of hotel, condo hotel, fractional ownership and timeshare units, said Patrick Lacey, Palisades Tahoe spokesperson. —Theresa Clift july 8, Sacbee.com, 8 July 2025

Just as ETFs and index funds dramatically lowered barriers to stock market participation, new fractional ownership models and specialized funds are making private assets available at lower minimums. —Jim Edwards, Fortune, 1 July 2025

With 8,000 subscribers and growing fast, it’s led by Kamil Banc, fractional chief AI officer and strategic advisor helping companies turn AI potential into measurable results. —Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 26 June 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