fragmentation

noun

frag·​men·​ta·​tion ˌfrag-mən-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce fragmentation (audio)
-ˌmen-
1
: the act or process of fragmenting or making fragmentary
2
: the state of being fragmented or fragmentary
fragmentate verb

Examples of fragmentation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Despite this ongoing fragmentation, Google still seems committed to adding small improvements to Wear OS as a whole. Victoria Song, The Verge, 26 Feb. 2024 Of course, there have always been geopolitical issues to navigate, but globalization itself has come into question post-pandemic with greater regionalization of supply chains prompting fragmentation. Fortune, 26 Feb. 2024 The result was the fragmentation of data across multiple platforms. Aliaksandr Kuushynau, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024 On the lower Mississippi River, some have pointed to the fragmentation of floodplain forests as a possible cause of endangerment or extinction of animal species. Journal Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2024 Whether imposed by the U.S. government or its counterparts in other countries, these restrictions reinforce the fragmentation of the Internet, even among close allies. Peter E. Harrell, Foreign Affairs, 12 Dec. 2023 The increase in artificial lights has several harmful effects on wildlife, including habitat loss and fragmentation, according to a March 2022 paper cited by the National Wildlife Foundation. Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 7 Feb. 2024 Cross-industry research is highlighting the value at risk from fragmentation. Bybørge Brende, Fortune, 15 Jan. 2024 The birds are very sensitive to habitat fragmentation, and the opening of lands to energy extraction presents a serious threat. Phil Bourjaily, Field & Stream, 11 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fragmentation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

fragment entry 2 + -ation, probably after French fragmentation

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fragmentation was in 1881

Dictionary Entries Near fragmentation

Cite this Entry

“Fragmentation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fragmentation. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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