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

Spending heavily on coordination becomes rational because avoiding deterioration, hospitalization, and fragmentation benefits both patients and the organization itself. —Sachin H. Jain, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026

San Mateo County schools’ fragmentation, income inequality and performance gaps will be central challenges for the next superintendent. —Mercury News Editorial Board, Mercury News, 27 May 2026

The first round of voting that took place on April 12, 2026, featured a crowded field of 35 hopeful presidential candidates—an unusually large number that reflects the depth of Peru’s political fragmentation and the weakness of its party system. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 May 2026

Adding a large rug further anchors a small room and prevents fragmentation and a break in sigh lines. —Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 25 May 2026

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