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 is very much not a show built for Emmy success — or any kind of success that involves large numbers of people finding consensus — but in these days of audience fragmentation, and with eight shows to nominate, Nathan Fielder’s show is worth considering. —Joe Reid, Vulture, 24 May 2025

This fragmentation resulted in an unmarketable product. —Philip Brittan, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025

Ultimately, this fragmentation results in creative whiplash, inconsistent outputs, and subscription chaos. —Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 22 May 2025

The small scale and fragmentation of these systems is inefficient, creating steep challenges for communities that have limited access to capital due to small customer bases. —Joel Thayer, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 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