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

Following a period of soul-searching, conversations with his daughter, and a lot of reading, Hawke returned to O’Connor’s story determined to dive into its complexities. —Alex Jhamb Burns, Vogue, 3 May 2024

As government regulatory agencies in North America, Europe, and Asia contend with the legal, safety, national security, and ethical questions raised by the advancements of artificial intelligence, business leaders say the disparate rules are presenting some short-term complexities. —John Kell, Fortune, 2 May 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