complexity

noun

com·​plex·​i·​ty kəm-ˈplek-sə-tē 

käm-

plural complexities

1

: something complex

the complexities of the murder trial

2

: the quality or state of being complex

the complexity of the contract

Synonyms

• complexness
• complicacy
• complicatedness
• complication
• elaborateness
• intricacy
• intricateness
• involution
• knottiness
• sophistication

Examples of complexity in a Sentence

He was impressed by the complexity of the music.

The diagram illustrates the complexity of the cell's structure.

He doesn't grasp the complexity of the situation.

Recent Examples on the Web

Skilled in breaking down complexity to uncover solutions. —Glenn Llopis, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024

The multiculturalism of London at that time, there’s an amazing complexity to that landscape, so rich, so textured and visually dynamic. —Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 2 Dec. 2024

Add a dash of lemon or grapefruit bitters to the shaker for a little more complexity in the drink. —Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 2 Dec. 2024

Or, at least, incommensurate with being directly described without losing something of its essence or complexity. —Dennis Zhou, The New Yorker, 1 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

complex entry 2 + -ity, perhaps after French complexité

First Known Use

1661, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

complexity

noun

com·​plex·​i·​ty kəm-ˈplek-sət-ē 

käm-

plural complexities

1

: something complex

the complexities of the English language

2

: the quality or state of being complex