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

But screenwriter Jared Rosenberg puts him on mute about a third of the way through and that leaves us stranded with Madelyn (Dockery) and Winston (Grace), two one-dimensional bores. —Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 29 Jan. 2025

These division opponents know each other well, and the injury to Hurts could wind up making the Eagles slightly more one-dimensional. —Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2025

Additionally, feedback is typically sparse and one-dimensional, limiting the full potential of human insight. —Thorsten Zander, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025

And perhaps most significantly, Santander is a truly one-dimensional player. —Tony Blengino, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

one-dimensional

adjective

1

: having one dimension

2

: stereotyped