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

Cortese said an amendment to the bill, which limited initial regulation of robotaxis to cities of 250,000 or larger, with smaller neighboring cities allowed to replicate the ordinances, addressed the concerns about fragmentation. —Ethan Baron, The Mercury News, 19 June 2024

At the same time, fragmentation has greatly diminished the prospects for building a federal union in Myanmar. —Richard Horsey, Foreign Affairs, 31 May 2024

But climate change, habitat fragmentation and population isolation continue to threaten the future of giant pandas. —Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2024

Complicating matters further is the fragmentation of the country’s gangs in recent years, with cartels splitting up into separate branches. —Matt Williams, The Conversation, 31 May 2024

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