fragmented

/fræɡˈmentɪd/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈfræɡmentɪd/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈfrag-ˌmen-təd/ (ame, mw)

fragmented — adjective

  • fragmentedpositive
  • more fragmentedcomparative
  • most fragmentedsuperlative

1. When something is fragmented, it is split into many separate parts or pieces, of

1.形容詞B2
釋義

When something is fragmented, it is split into many separate parts or pieces, often so badly that it no longer works well as a whole. The word can describe a physically shattered object or an abstract thing — such as a society, organization, memory, or story — that has lost its unity and order.

例句

Layla swept up the fragmented pieces of glass after the vase broke.

After the earthquake, the community remained fragmented, with families living in separate shelters.

predicative: remain + fragmented

同義詞
  • broken

    more general and less specific about loss of overall structure; 'fragmented' emphasises the many separate pieces and lost unity.

  • fractured

    suggests splitting along lines or cracks rather than breaking into many pieces; 'fractured' is often used for bones or social relations.

  • splintered

    more specific — describes breaking into thin, sharp fragments; 'fragmented' covers both physical and abstract disintegration.

  • divided

    less extreme; 'divided' can mean two opposing sides, while 'fragmented' suggests many scattered parts with no clear grouping.

反義詞
  • unified

    opposite of abstract fragmented — brought together into one whole

  • whole

    opposite of physical fragmented — not broken into pieces

  • intact

    emphasises that something is untouched or undamaged

文法句型

fragmented + noun

remain / become / seem + fragmented

用法筆記

Often describes things that have lost their unity or coherence — societies, groups, memories, narratives, political systems, or industries. Can be used both before a noun (attributive: a fragmented market) and after a linking verb (predicative: the party became increasingly fragmented). Gradable: you can say highly fragmented or deeply fragmented.

常見錯誤

❌The glass was fractured into many tiny pieces.
✅The glass was fragmented into many tiny pieces.
💡'fractured' suggests cracks or splits along lines, while 'fragmented' means broken into many separate pieces.
❌After the war the country was very fragment.
✅After the war the country was very fragmented.
💡'fragment' is a noun or verb, not an adjective; use the -ed form 'fragmented'.