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

That hypothesized fragmentation is even more interesting than the near-twin meteor showers suggest. —Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 3 Nov. 2025

Effectiveness drops sharply with shorter barrels or longer ranges when velocity falls below the fragmentation threshold. —Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2025

The fragmentation of this reality has made things exciting, confusing, and frustrating for the average individual who, when walking into a dispensary for the first time, is confronted with a wall of packages and detailed, jargony labels. —Carly Fisher, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 Oct. 2025

Global sustainability efforts risk fragmentation, with overlapping certifications and inconsistent standards. —Sunny Tan, Sourcing Journal, 22 Oct. 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