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

It was employed against an armoured personnel carrier using a proximity sensor and fragmentation warhead. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026

In 2025, YouTube TV reminded networks, people have subscription fatigue, and fragmentation is keeping fans from watching games. — Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 1 Sep. 2026

The team determined that meteorites that reach terra firma ironically went through more melting and fragmentation, which slowed them down enought to actually land. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2026

Meanwhile, the deepening fragmentation and disorder in the Middle East caused by the war are seen in China as an opportunity to make new diplomatic inroads in the region. — Mark Sappenfield, Christian Science Monitor, 27 Aug. 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