one-dimensional

adjective

one-di·​men·​sion·​al

ˈwən-də-ˈmen(t)-sh(ə-)nəl

 

 also  -dī-

1

: having one dimension

A straight line is one-dimensional.

The one-dimensional sequence of amino acids is the primary structure.

—Douglas R. Hofstadter

2

: lacking depth or complexity : superficial

To the audience, the term "sitcom" connoted a lot of one-dimensional stories and characters.

—Bob Fisher

one-dimensionality

ˈwən-də-ˌmen(t)-shə-ˈna-lə-tē 

 also  -dī-

noun

one-di​mension​ally adverb

a one-dimensionally portrayed character

The pixels were arranged one-dimensionally. [=in a straight line]

Synonyms

• facile
• shallow
• skin-deep
• superficial

Examples of one-dimensional in a Sentence

a one-dimensional analysis of a novel that has a lot to say about personal courage

Recent Examples on the Web

Since standardized testing tends to produce biased results, companies that use aptitude tests to screen out candidates may be creating unintentional liabilities as well as one-dimensional applicant profiles. —Lori Landrum, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024

The new documentary challenges and complicates one-dimensional narratives about dementia. —Candace Hansen, Los Angeles Times, 10 Dec. 2024

This year, the one-dimensional visuals kept some users from wanting to share images of their results on social media. —Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 4 Dec. 2024

Instead, different particles would result from different modes of vibration of a one-dimensional string, either a loop or a snippet with ends attached to multidimensional spatial objects called branes. —Tom Siegfried, Discover Magazine, 29 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

one-dimensional

adjective

1

: having one dimension

2

: stereotyped