Word
fragmented
Phoneticsfrag·ment·ed, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈfɹæɡmənɪd/
UK/fɹæɡmˈɛntɪd/
Definition
adj. broken into many small, separate parts. You use this to describe something that is no longer whole or connected.
adj. consisting of small, disconnected parts that have been broken off or detached from a whole. Often describes abstract concepts like societies, markets, or memories.
Examples
“The old vase lay fragmented on the floor.”
“The political landscape became increasingly fragmented after the election, with five different parties competing for power.”
“The archaeologist spent months painstakingly reassembling the fragmented pottery shards to determine the original vessel's purpose and origin.”
Examples
simple
“The old vase lay fragmented on the floor.”
contextual
“The political landscape became increasingly fragmented after the election, with five different parties competing for power.”
complex
“The archaeologist spent months painstakingly reassembling the fragmented pottery shards to determine the original vessel's purpose and origin.”
Usage
Often used as a participial adjective following linking verbs like 'become', 'remain', or 'appear'.
Real-World Examples
“Dunn, et al., 2026 The fossil record preserves this same fragmented leaf litter.” “Meanwhile, peer review may become a less rigorous, more fragmented version of what it once was, with the practice taking on different meanings in different fields.” “So far, Moen has found that existing research on the topic is fragmented.” - 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/fragmented