Fragmentary: meaning, definitions and examples

Describes something that consists of small, incomplete parts. Often used when talking about evidence, stories, or data that is not complete.

• The archaeologists found fragmentary remains of ancient pottery
• The historian's account of the event was only fragmentary

Refers to something that lacks some parts or is not finished.

• The project is still incomplete and needs more work
• He submitted an incomplete application

Means something that is not whole or is only a part of the whole. It can also imply bias if referring to a person's opinion.

• We managed to get a partial refund
• He gave a partial explanation of the problem

Used when something is not connected in a clear or logical way, especially in speech, writing, or thought.

• Her disjointed speech made it hard to follow her argument
• The movie's plot was disjointed and confusing

Implies that something is lacking detail or is incomplete, often in a negative way.

• His information was sketchy and unreliable
• The police received a sketchy description of the suspect

Describes things that are spread out or dispersed in various directions, often without order.

• The documents were scattered all over the floor
• The small villages are scattered across the countryside