Fragmentation: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is often used when discussing the process in which an entity breaks into smaller parts. It can be used in a variety of contexts, like biology, technology, or social structures.

• The fragmentation of the network led to a significant loss of data.
• Fragmentation of habitats is a major threat to wildlife conservation.

This term is apt for describing something gradually falling apart or decaying over time. It's often used in the context of social systems, materials, or relationships.

• The disintegration of the ancient manuscript made it difficult to read.
• The disintegration of the Soviet Union led to the emergence of new independent states.

Commonly used to describe a failure or collapse in systems, machinery, or mental health. It can indicate a situation where something stops functioning as expected.

• The breakdown of the car engine left us stranded on the highway.
• She had a nervous breakdown due to the immense stress at work.

Best used when referring to the division of space or a physical area into distinct parts. It is frequently used in the context of dividing countries, rooms, or hard drives.

• The partitioning of India in 1947 led to the creation of Pakistan.
• They are partitioning the office to create a new meeting room.

Use to describe the process or result of breaking something into smaller, disconnected parts. Often used in contexts related to physical objects, processes, or societies.

• The fragmentation of the group made it difficult to achieve a common goal.
• The fragmentation of the supply chain led to delays.

This word is suitable for general contexts where something is being split into parts, whether discussing physical, abstract, or organizational separations.

• The division of the company into different branches helped increase efficiency.
• The division of tasks was necessary to complete the project on time.

Best used when discussing enforced separation of groups based on race, religion, gender, or other attributes. This term often carries a negative connotation.

• The segregation laws were abolished in the 1960s.
• The segregation of schools led to inferior education for minority students.

Use to describe situations where opinions, beliefs, or groups become extreme and opposite, creating conflict. Typically used in political or social settings.

• The polarization of public opinion made compromises impossible.
• The debate led to a greater polarization among the community members.

Use to describe a process in which something is being broken into separate parts or pieces, often involving complex systems or structures.

• The fragmentation of the software caused several issues in performance
• Political fragmentation can lead to weakened governance

Appropriate for describing a process where something is falling apart or decomposing, often related to decay or collapse.

• The disintegration of the old building was evident after years of neglect
• The disintegration of the relationship was unavoidable

Best used when referring to the failure of a system or a significant problem causing a system to stop working correctly.

• The breakdown of the car left them stranded on the highway
• Communication breakdown can cause team projects to fail

Used to describe the ongoing process of breaking or splitting into smaller parts, often used in scientific or technical contexts.

• The committee is concerned with the fragmenting nature of the directive
• Cells are constantly fragmenting during the division process