complexity

[ kuhm-plek-si-tee ]

noun

, plural com·plex·i·ties

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 Words From

• inter·com·plexi·ty noun plural intercomplexities
• over·com·plexi·ty noun
• super·com·plexi·ty noun plural supercomplexities

Word History and Origins

Origin of complexity¹

First recorded in 1715–25; complex + -ity

Example Sentences

Her religion added a layer of complexity to what happened, she explains.

From BBC

Moreover, the methods require significant computing power and can take weeks to months, depending on the complexity of the constituent molecules.

From Science Daily

"The many biological functions and processes that make up the complexity of human memory are still being uncovered," says Frankland, who holds a Canada Research Chair in Cognitive Neurobiology.

From Science Daily

The complexity of quantum spin liquids poses difficulties for theorists too, because modelling results in many competing magnetic interactions, which are extremely difficult to untangle, causing disagreement among physicists.

From Science Daily

These findings help scientists paint a new colourful picture of evolution as a process in which complexity can be achieved through simple innovations.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• complication
• intricacy
• ramification