noun
-
the state or quality of being intricate or complex
-
something intricate or complex; complication
Other Word Forms
- intercomplexity noun
- overcomplexity noun
- supercomplexity noun
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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"Why Read Shakespeare?" Vocabulary from the argument
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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.
To answer this, the team examined evidence across four main areas: stone tool production, hunting strategies, symbolic behavior, and social complexity.
From Science Daily • Apr. 12, 2026
To add to the complexity, I am terrified of flying, so we would likely need to book a transatlantic cruise to and from Europe.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026
The deals often saddle the merged company with complexity, stagnant brands and crushing debt.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026
"Members of the public are understandably frustrated with the situation, as are we, the longevity of it and the complexity of it as well."
From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026
“You want something?” said Gloria, eyes wide in an apparently artless complexity that fooled her huge “nursemaid” not at all.
From "I, Robot" by Isaac Asimov
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.
