fragmented
UK: /ˈfræɡməntɪd/ | US: /ˈfræɡməntɪd/
adj. broken or separated into distinct parts
adj. (of a system or process) disjointed or inefficient due to lack of cohesion
vt. past tense of "fragment" (to break into pieces)
The word "fragmented" derives from the Latin fragmentum (a piece broken off), via the verb frangere (to break). The root "fragment" entered English in the late 16th century, retaining its core meaning of a detached part. The suffix "-ed" marks it as an adjective or past participle, emphasizing a state of being broken. The term evolved metaphorically to describe disorganized systems (e.g., "fragmented memory") by the 19th century, reflecting its physical-to-abstract semantic shift.
The ancient vase lay fragmented on the museum floor.
His speech was fragmented, jumping between unrelated topics.
The company’s data storage system became fragmented over time.
She carefully glued the fragmented pieces of the document back together.
Modern politics often feels fragmented by competing ideologies.