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

There’s some acknowledgment of the complexity of his life that’s there before he moves on.

From Los Angeles Times

"What you don’t know, you don’t know," he said, with PAs "not having the skills or experience" to diagnose patients with varying levels of complexity.

From BBC

"Such challenges are quite common around the world, and although specific regulations will reflect different priorities in different countries, complexity is pretty normal now," he explained.

From BBC

But now, with the benefit of hindsight, Bowman thinks that Garland waited too long, given the foreseeable procedural hurdles to any prosecution of this complexity and Trump’s unmatched ability to challenge such a case.

From Slate

It's the single largest allocation of funds ever for space projects in India, but considering the scale and complexity of the projects, they are far from lavish and have once again brought into focus the cost-effectiveness of India’s space programme.

From BBC

Related Words

• complication
• intricacy
• ramification