fragmentation

noun

frag·​men·​ta·​tion ˌfrag-mən-ˈtā-shən 

-ˌmen-

1

: the act or process of fragmenting or making fragmentary

2

: the state of being fragmented or fragmentary

fragmentate

ˈfrag-mən-ˌtāt 

verb

Examples of fragmentation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This fragmentation creates opportunities for investors, especially in the form of off-market deals. —Brian Spear, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025

Economic and security interests became indistinguishable, and technological fragmentation—if not outright decoupling from China—became the norm. —Ian Bremmer, Foreign Affairs, 13 May 2025

Habitat loss and fragmentation have contributed to the decline of the snakes from their historical range in the Southeast, including in Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and Florida. —Olivia Lloyd, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 May 2025

But, in recent decades, the species’ population has been declining because of habitat loss and fragmentation. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

fragment entry 2 + -ation, probably after French fragmentation

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing fragmentation

• fragmentation bomb
• fragmentation grenade

Rhymes for fragmentation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation