complexity

[kuhm-plek-si-tee]

noun

plural

complexities 

1. the state or quality of being complex; intricacy.

   the complexity of urban life.

2. something complex.

   the complexities of foreign policy.

complexity

/ kəmˈplɛksɪtɪ /

noun

1. the state or quality of being intricate or complex

2. something intricate or complex; complication

Other Word Forms

• intercomplexity noun
• overcomplexity noun
• supercomplexity noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of complexity¹

First recorded in 1715–25; complex + -ity

Example Sentences

A Defense Department official said Tuesday that the military intends to finish designing future vessels before starting construction on them to avoid introducing new complexities into the process.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Having said that, the complexity and cost of compensating perhaps millions of people for nonfinancial damages from a breach are enormous.

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Having said that, there is so much complexity to this scenario.

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These intermediaries have created unnecessary complexity and costs, all while profiting from a monopolistic model that limits a company from communicating directly with its shareholders.

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That complexity is what made disruption slower and more subtle than anyone predicted.

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Related Words

• complication 
• intricacy 
• ramification