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
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.
Iran’s top trading partner is China, according to the Observatory of Economic Complexity, an open source data distribution platform that started at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 12, 2026
Complexity obscures risk, dilutes accountability and creates false confidence.
From MarketWatch • Dec. 29, 2025
Complexity is baked into the institution, and even before I left the faith, I had complicated thoughts and feelings about it.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2025
V. Autism Spectrum Complexity: Variable responses were noted in autism models, with some showing increased pH and decreased lactate levels, suggesting subpopulations within the autism spectrum with diverse metabolic patterns.
From Science Daily • Mar. 26, 2024
“New laws for each new form, of course. New lines of potential. Complexity beyond complexity, accident on accident, until—” His leer was like icy wind.
From "Grendel" by John Gardner
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.
