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

Starbucks said in a post on its blog that though it supports the intent of the city’s law, its complexity creates real-world challenges.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“Pathway’s architecture is designed to handle this complexity by remembering sequences and consequences over time, rather than resetting with every interaction.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Projects for new rare-earths plants will take longer than expected, given technical complexity.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

In these cases, the tradeoffs of using a VPN, such as slower speeds, costs or setup complexity, are minor compared to the protection and autonomy VPNs provide.

Read more on Salon

He was a writer who managed to combine an intellectual's delight in complexity with an entertainer's talent for having fun.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• complication 
• intricacy 
• ramification