fragmentation
The fragmentation of the market has made it harder for new startups to compete.
The market is divided into many small, separate sections, reducing competition.
The process or result of breaking or being broken into small or numerous parts.
The fragmentation of the empire led to centuries of conflict.
The empire broke into smaller states, causing long-term fighting.
Often implies a loss of unity or coherence.
In computing, the division of data or disk space into non-contiguous blocks.
Disk fragmentation can slow down your computer's performance.
When files are stored in scattered pieces on a hard drive, the computer takes longer to read them.
Common issue in file systems; often fixed by 'defragmentation'.
The division of a society or group into smaller, often conflicting, factions.
Political fragmentation weakened the government's ability to act.
The division of political power among many groups made decision-making difficult.
Used in political science and sociology to describe lack of consensus.
Collocations
Pro Tip
Context Matters
In tech, it refers to data storage. In society, it refers to division. Always check the context to understand which meaning is intended.
Gold Rule
Formal Tone
Fragmentation is a formal noun. Avoid using it in casual conversation; use 'breaking apart' or 'splitting' instead.
Word Origin
From Latin fragmentum 'a broken piece', from frangere 'to break'.
Usage Notes
Use 'fragmentation' when emphasizing the state of being broken into pieces or the process of breaking apart. It is more formal than 'breaking up'.