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 the past six months, LeoLabs has reported at least four fragmentation events in space, which together created hundreds of new pieces of space debris. — Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 20 Oct. 2026

Without that leadership, the continent has been left to overcome its internal fragmentation on its own. — Claas Mertens, Foreign Affairs, 19 Oct. 2026

Analysts say this political fragmentation, which led to the paralysis of parliament after snap elections called by Macron in 2024 backfired, is likely to persist – and is at the core of France’s deepening crisis. — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 19 Oct. 2026

Multitasking, collage, and fragmentation have long served as survival strategies for women saddled with domestic duties and harboring artistic ambitions. — Leslie Camhi, New Yorker, 16 Oct. 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