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

In November 2024, Councilmembers Monica Rodriguez and Bob Blumenfield introduced a motion calling for the city to explore bypassing LAHSA and contracting directly with service providers, citing concerns about fragmentation and accountability. —Teresa Liu, Daily News, 25 Apr. 2026

The national park system China has developed for giant pandas is designed to counteract this fragmentation by connecting reserves across the landscape. —Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 24 Apr. 2026

Because of loss, degradation and fragmentation of habitats, the Mojave desert tortoise remains an endangered species in California, federal wildlife officials say. —Sarah Linn, Sacbee.com, 22 Apr. 2026

Iran has repeatedly demonstrated an ability to exploit the rhythms of American politics — election cycles, media pressures, bureaucratic fragmentation — to delay, confuse, and outmaneuver counterparts. —Gaurav Srivastava, The Washington Examiner, 19 Apr. 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