complexity

noun

com·​plex·​i·​ty kəm-ˈplek-sə-tē How to pronounce complexity (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The complexity of art and collectibles planning means procrastination can be costly. Matthew F. Erskine, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 As app stores grow, both in volume and complexity, the tools used to screen them will need to evolve at the same pace. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025 For other carriers, that means the platform is already built to handle the pressure and complexity of national freight operations, and can be tailored to suit smaller businesses with minimal learning curves. Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 30 June 2025 In the doc, three filmmakers select iconic cover stories to explore the complexities of creating a magazine that was unafraid to wrestle with challenging, and often polarizing, issues. Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for complexity

Word History

Etymology

complex entry 2 + -ity, perhaps after French complexité

First Known Use

1661, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of complexity was in 1661

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Complexity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/complexity. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

complexity

noun
com·​plex·​i·​ty kəm-ˈplek-sət-ē How to pronounce complexity (audio)
käm-
plural complexities
1
: something complex
the complexities of the English language
2
: the quality or state of being complex

More from Merriam-Webster on complexity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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