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

Today, fragmentation means materials do not flow, rules on compliance differ across countries, and costs increase for companies operating across borders. — María Luisa Martínez Díez, Footwear News, 3 Aug. 2026

Years of rights fragmentation mean anyone wanting to watch NFL 2026 in full will need access to 10 different TV channels and streaming platforms. — Leo MacLehose, Sportico.com, 31 July 2026

The acceleration of cord-cutting and the fragmentation of audiences have fundamentally changed how viewers watch television. — Kris Qiu, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

The companies that will lead are those that treat fragmentation not as a constraint, but as a catalyst to redesign their operating models, capital strategies, and decision-making frameworks. — Yasushi Sasaki, Fortune, 30 July 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