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

Political fragmentation, demographic headwinds, and regulatory complexity have historically dampened investor enthusiasm. —Robert Daugherty, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025

These international lenders have also been remarkably durable in today’s climate of fragmentation and crisis, with member nations actively considering ways of further strengthening them. —Tamar Gutner, The Conversation, 25 Feb. 2025

Teams often treat their data as proprietary assets, creating fragmentation and stifling collaboration across departments. —Aj Bubb, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025

While the European Union makes progress with the AI Act implementation and in particular its companion Code of Practice, regulatory fragmentation is looming. —Henry Papadatos, TIME, 10 Feb. 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