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

King explains that these struggle with fragmentation, access to capital, and weak AI capabilities due to low AI literacy and a lack of concrete use cases with clear return on investment. —Tasmin Lockwood, Fortune, 9 Sep. 2025

This fragmentation could create compatibility issues and weaken global cybersecurity cooperation just when unified action is most needed. —Antonio Sanchez, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025

One study uses a new astrophysical computer simulation that models turbulence within the cloud, causing fragmentation into smaller, star-forming clumps. —Luke Keller, Space.com, 7 Sep. 2025

With tariffs threatening supply chains and markets watching for signs of fragmentation, summits like these are closely watched for signals of new alignments, even if substantive outcomes are limited. —Spriha Srivastava, CNBC, 1 Sep. 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