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
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
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.
See Examples For:
Despite months of warnings about the capabilities of AI systems, the new intrusion shows how the complexity of today’s computer systems makes them difficult to defend.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 18, 2026
Eligibility is assessed by your local integrated care board with areas like complexity, intensity and unpredictability part of the consideration.
From BBC ● Sep. 13, 2026
Understanding a cat’s complexity and autonomy could translate to someone who understands her particular needs.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 9, 2026
Given the complexity and time-consuming nature of appeals, very few pursue it.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 8, 2026
Above all, Faure had the confidence to turn his antipathy towards the many- layered complexity of Wagner’s music dramas into a much purer, emotionally restrained sound.
From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall
We anticipated logistical challenges and ethical complexities, including potential trauma reactivation and our inability to provide clinical care.
From Slate ● Sep. 11, 2026
"Active and efficient communication between specialties is often necessary due to the complexities associated with CKD," noted Prof. Herrington.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 6, 2026
Last October, external the government said it "remained firmly opposed to the use of state-imposed forced labour", but that it was "considering how best to reflect this position," citing "operational and legal complexities".
From BBC ● Jul. 24, 2026
RedBird Capital Partners founder Gerry Cardinale and legendary footballer Zlatan Ibrahimović delve into the complexities of running Italian football club AC Milan and navigating the differences between American and European sports cultures.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 18, 2026
Developing the trust of clients is not only necessary to manage the complexities of the litigation and deal with the stress of a potential execution; it's also key to effective advocacy.
From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson
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.
