noun
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the state or quality of being intricate or complex
-
something intricate or complex; complication
Other Word Forms
- intercomplexity noun
- overcomplexity noun
- supercomplexity noun
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.
But experts say staffing requirements are driven by complexity rather than numbers, as more women present with diabetes, obesity, or mental health conditions.
From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026
In recent years, companies have been dissuaded by the costs and complexity of being a public company subject to the SEC’s rules, Atkins said, including the requirement that companies report their earnings quarterly.
From Barron's • Apr. 21, 2026
"Silicon achieves complexity by having billions of identical devices," Hersam said.
From Science Daily • Apr. 18, 2026
If the case does proceed to trial, that path will be "beset by a multitude of delays" given the size and complexity of the material, which will include sensitive national security information.
From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026
The insider’s artful complexity didn’t much interest Cornwall Capital.
From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis
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.
