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 of complexity

• complexness
• sophistication
• intricacy
• elaborateness

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

The complexity of the facade work will require detailed planning and coordination, and compliance with historic preservation requirements, the hotel says. — ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026

Due to the complexity of the production, the crows were digitally designed, while Prue and Mac were practical handmade puppets. — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026

In this love letter to the landscapes of New York state, Kaishian reveals the kaleidoscopic complexity of gender and sexuality in the plant, fungal, and animal worlds. — Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2026

Given the complexity, experts recommend that evaluations be prompted by patients self-reporting symptoms. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 15 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

complex entry 2 + -ity, perhaps after French complexité

First Known Use

1661, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for complexity

• convexity
• perplexity

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