fragmentation

USAGE SUMMARY

Fragmentation is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe the process of breaking something down into smaller parts, for example: "The fragmentation of the rock made it easier to move."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The status of the African golden cat in the wild has never been rigorously assessed, but the species is increasingly threatened by habitat degradation, loss and fragmentation, and by unsustainable hunting," according to one study.

The Guardian

And it came as the new prime minister Kevin Rudd also said he was worried that the constant arrival of asylum seekers by boat would see "the fragmentation of support" for Australia's migration system.

The Guardian

Compromise is increasingly inescapable in the fragmentation of modern British electoral politics.

The Guardian - Opinion

The slump in audience numbers is a further sign of the fragmentation of TV viewing.

The Guardian

The scourge of modern medicine is fragmentation, over-investigation, poly pharmacy and repeated hospital admissions.

The Guardian

In another of the big manifesto areas, education, as always after a period of Tory government, Labour promises to roll back what it regards as structural fragmentation and an assault on the teachers' unions.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ever greater fragmentation and atomisation, more schools with unqualified teachers and no local oversight, the centralisation of power in an unwieldy Department for Education can only exacerbate the risk of further problems.

The Guardian - Opinion

The fragmentation of the Liberal Democrat protest vote has nurtured the Greens and nationalist parties: Plaid Cymru, Ukip (a reactionary English movement in spite of its unionist name) and, most conspicuously, the SNP.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even more ominous is the fragmentation of the global news agenda, and with it public opinion, into clear propaganda blocs.

The Guardian - Opinion

However, critics say that with different providers up and down the country, there is a risk of fragmentation from the existing service delivered by NHS Direct.

The Guardian

And, while the internationalisation of the BBC News channel or the digital fragmentation of Sky News might be inevitable, they could potentially leave big gaps in British TV's capacity to report rolling news – not least during election campaigns.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing complex systems or large datasets, use "fragmentation" to indicate a loss of coherence or organization. This can be especially effective when discussing data management or societal structures.

Common error

While "fragmentation" is a useful term, avoid using it in simple situations where a more direct word like "breaking" or "splitting" would suffice. Using overly complex terminology can obscure your meaning and make your writing seem pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "fragmentation" is that of a noun, typically functioning as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage aligns with standard English grammar. Examples illustrate its role in describing processes and states of being broken apart.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

24%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fragmentation" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun that describes the process of breaking apart or dividing into smaller pieces. As Ludwig AI confirms, this term is widely applicable across various contexts, including news, business, and scientific domains. While versatile, it's essential to use "fragmentation" judiciously, opting for simpler terms in basic contexts. The term's prevalence in authoritative sources like The Guardian and The Economist underscores its legitimacy and importance in formal discourse. Alternatives such as "disintegration" and "division" offer nuanced ways to convey similar concepts, depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disintegration

Focuses on the loss of cohesion and unity.

decomposition

Implies a process of decay and breaking down into simpler components.

division

Emphasizes the separation into distinct parts or groups.

separation

Highlights the act of setting or keeping things apart.

splintering

Suggests breaking into small, sharp fragments, often of wood or similar materials.

partitioning

Refers to the act of dividing something into sections or portions.

segmentation

Implies dividing something into distinct segments or parts, often for analysis or management.

atomization

Emphasizes breaking down into very small, individual units.

pulverization

Suggests reducing something to fine particles or dust.

balkanization

Refers specifically to the division of a region or state into smaller, often hostile, units.

FAQs

How is "fragmentation" used in academic writing?

In academic writing, "fragmentation" often describes the breaking down of complex systems or concepts into smaller, more manageable parts. For example, you might discuss the "fragmentation" of political power or the "fragmentation" of a research field.

What are some synonyms for "fragmentation"?

Synonyms for "fragmentation" include "disintegration", "division", and "separation". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

In what contexts is "fragmentation" most commonly used?

"Fragmentation" is frequently used in discussions of political science, ecology, computer science, and media studies. Each field applies the term to different phenomena, but the core concept of breaking into smaller parts remains consistent.

How does "fragmentation" differ from "segmentation"?

"Fragmentation" often implies a breaking apart that can be chaotic or undesirable, while "segmentation" suggests a more deliberate and organized division. For example, market segmentation involves intentionally dividing a market into subgroups, whereas the fragmentation of a habitat is usually detrimental.