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.
However, many advisers don’t advocate using one as your primary investment vehicle due to its complexity, fees and the risk of underperformance.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026
Mortimer: The story is Dean’s complexity — his complex relationship with climbing, with his own motivations, with his friends.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026
Mars's thin atmosphere makes landing a full-sized, crewed spacecraft - and then launching it again - a problem of staggering complexity.
From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026
While AI disruption looms for some companies, these experts argue that the complexity of security platforms provides a buffer for established players.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026
Mrs. Coulter’s eyes gazed at the craft hungrily, memorizing every part of it, making sense of its complexity.
From "The Amber Spyglass" by Philip Pullman
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.
