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

Additionally, even traditionally influential organizations like the California Federation of Unions have been unable to coalesce around a single Democratic candidate, instead endorsing four separate candidates and signaling the party’s fundamental fragmentation. —Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 2026

While the broader airline sector is weathering a storm of escalating costs and geopolitical fragmentation, Delta Air Lines (DAL) has managed to maintain an altitude that defies the market’s current gravitational pull. —Michael Khouw, CNBC, 23 Mar. 2026

Traditional capital markets often impose latency, fragmentation, and high intermediation costs that limit efficient capital formation. —Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 23 Mar. 2026

Sports-rights fragmentation frustrates plenty of fans. —Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 23 Mar. 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