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

Import costs have jumped since April 2025, and economists warn trade between distant partners could shrink nearly 6 percent annually if fragmentation persists. —Vitalii Savryha, Sourcing Journal, 21 Oct. 2025

The problem of fragmentation must be fixed at the heart of Europe. —Jan Hammer, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025

This fragmentation causes consumer confusion and creates an underutilized charging infrastructure. —Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2025

However, concluding a deal with its militarily superior neighbor risks the further fragmentation of Syria and an entrenched violation of its sovereignty. —Mireille Rebeiz, The Conversation, 9 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