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 can lead to the reality that while one supplier may operate robust security practices, another may fall behind, introducing loopholes in the overall cybersecurity strategy, which can be targeted. —Steve Durbin, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

Instead, the world appears fated to witness the decline or even the collapse of international institutions, which may then be replaced by less influential multinational institutions and intensified fragmentation, competition, and transactionalism. —Oriana Skylar Mastro, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025

But so much has changed since then because of social media and the fragmentation of the information space. —Alex Jhamb Burns, Vogue, 23 June 2025

Informatica’s software seeks to address this fragmentation. —Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 29 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