multifaceted
Americanadjective
-
having many facets, as a gem.
-
having many aspects or phases.
a multifaceted problem.
adjective
-
(of a gem) having many facets
-
having many aspects, abilities, etc
Etymology
Origin of multifaceted
First recorded in 1865–70; multi- + faceted ( def. )
Explanation
Multifaceted means having many aspects or sides. Diamonds are usually cut to be multifaceted, that is, with many angled flat surfaces, because this increases their ability to reflect light. Since facet means "aspect," "side," or "face," multifaceted means "many aspects, sides, or faces." This can apply to jewels or other physical objects, like the eyes of a dragonfly, but it can also refer to complicated issues that have lots of contributing factors and generate more than two sides to an argument. A multifaceted person has many abilities, or a personality with many sides to it.
Vocabulary lists containing multifaceted
This Week in Words: August 21 - 25, 2017
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
This Week In Culture, September 7–13, 2019
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
President Obama's Speech to the Nation about Terrorism
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Like all information security, this will be a rapidly evolving landscape that will require a multifaceted approach and constant adaptation.
From Barron's • Jan. 22, 2026
The study marks a significant advancement in the fight against COVID-19, showcasing a multifaceted approach to combating the virus.
From Science Daily • Mar. 14, 2024
Named after the renowned primatologist Dian Fossey, whose groundbreaking work with Mountain Gorillas inspired countless others, the organization conducts a multifaceted approach to gorilla conservation.
From Salon • Oct. 7, 2023
“There needs to be a multifaceted approach to fixing this system, with much stronger rules, much stronger oversight, and a much more consumer-friendly process.”
From Seattle Times • Aug. 6, 2023
L.A. has a housing shortage, and it needs a multifaceted approach to address it.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 22, 2023
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.
