Word
fragmentation
Phoneticsfrag·men·ta·tion, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌfɹæɡmənˈteɪʃən/
UK/fɹˌæɡməntˈeɪʃən/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the process of breaking into many small, separate pieces. It often describes a situation where something that was once united becomes divided and less effective.
n. the process or state of breaking into smaller, detached parts or fragments. Often describes the loss of cohesion in systems, data, or social structures.
Examples
“The fragmentation of the company led to many small, weak departments.”
“Habitat fragmentation occurs when large forests are divided into smaller patches by roads or urban development, threatening local wildlife.”
“The rapid fragmentation of the media landscape has made it increasingly difficult for advertisers to reach a truly national audience through a single television broadcast.”
Examples
simple
“The fragmentation of the company led to many small, weak departments.”
contextual
“Habitat fragmentation occurs when large forests are divided into smaller patches by roads or urban development, threatening local wildlife.”
complex
“The rapid fragmentation of the media landscape has made it increasingly difficult for advertisers to reach a truly national audience through a single television broadcast.”
Usage
Often used in technical contexts like computing (disk fragmentation) or biology (habitat fragmentation).
Real-World Examples
“Military pressure disrupted the gangs , but it also caused fragmentation and intensified rivalry between the resulting factions.” “Platform fragmentation may increase ideological separation, and economic and algorithmic pressures weaken climate journalism.” Etymology
From fragment + -ation.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/fragmentation