two-dimensional

[ too-di-men-shuh-nl, -dahy- ]

adjective

1. having the dimensions of height and width only:

   a two-dimensional surface.

2. (of a work of art) having its elements organized in terms of a flat surface, especially emphasizing the vertical and horizontal character of the picture plane:

   the two-dimensional structure of a painting.

3. (in a literary work) shallow, unconvincing, or superficial in execution:

   a novel having two-dimensional characters.

two-dimensional

adjective

1. of, having, or relating to two dimensions, usually describable in terms of length and breadth or length and height
2. lying on a plane; having an area but not enclosing any volume
3. lacking in depth, as characters in a literary work
4. (of painting or drawing) lacking the characteristics of form or depth

Derived Forms

• ˌtwo-diˈmensionally, adverb
• ˈtwo-diˌmensionˈality, noun

Other Words From

• two-di·mension·ali·ty noun
• two-di·mension·al·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of two-dimensional¹

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

The trouble with one- or even two-dimensional assessments, however, is that they fail to encapsulate the complexity of the eighth sign.

From Los Angeles Times

If you were to describe Florence Pugh as a two-dimensional actress, she might understandably feel quite insulted.

From BBC

Knitting transforms one-dimensional yarn into two-dimensional fabrics that are flexible, durable, and highly customizable in shape and elasticity.

From Science Daily

However, in the case of larger reactors or faster flow, two-dimensional models using Taylor-Aris dispersion are required.

From Science Daily

And so to take her from two-dimensional to three-dimensional was always a goal.

From Salon