noun
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the state or quality of being intricate or complex
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something intricate or complex; complication
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of complexity
Explanation
Is the movie simple or does it have lots of plot twists and intricate relationships between characters? If the latter is true, the movie's complexity makes it hard to understand. When you see the word complexity, think of something with a lot of pieces, something not easy to put into words or understand. Things that can have complexity include: the events leading up to the American Civil War, a broth made with many ingredients, your relationship with your parents. Complexity is the opposite of simplicity. When something has a lot of complexity, you say it is complex. When it has very little complexity, it is simple.
Vocabulary lists containing complexity
List 2
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Nothing But the Truth
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
But the movie doesn’t closely enough resemble the heart-and-soul complexity of life itself, falling into an uncanny valley in which the drama is decidedly artificial.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 24, 2026
Its variety and complexity has fascinated biologists, but with so many different songs, it has been difficult to study on a global scale.
From BBC ● Jul. 23, 2026
Per the act, the FDA was ordered by Congress to establish traceability standards for high-risk foods, but the food industry pushed back, asking for additional time to comply with recordkeeping and coordination demands, citing complexity.
From Slate ● Jul. 22, 2026
“It does come with complexity, the materials, fabrication and machining,” said Ambrose.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 21, 2026
“Material profit. Increase of knowledge. The augmentation of the complexity and intensity of the field of intelligent life. The enrichment of harmony and the greater glory of God. Curiosity. Adventure. Delight.”
From "The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Le Guin
Last October, external the government said it "remained firmly opposed to the use of state-imposed forced labour", but that it was "considering how best to reflect this position," citing "operational and legal complexities".
From BBC ● Jul. 24, 2026
Though far from being a “gritty” period drama, “Little House” does attempt to capture the realities and complexities of its place and time, while still hewing to Wilder’s original themes of resilience, hope and family.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 9, 2026
Here are the specific eligibility requirements — and complexities of the new program to consider — for those looking to start GLP-1 treatment for obesity.
From MarketWatch ● Jun. 30, 2026
The group had previously said it sought to transform the business by making changes such as slashing overhead costs, reducing complexities and bolstering technology development.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 26, 2026
And Rachel, with the emotional complexities of a salt shaker.
From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
