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 One comment from a seller on Amazon’s own seller forum captured some of the frustrations with the new complexities. Jason Del Rey, Fortune, 16 Mar. 2024 Understanding life's complexities can help kids foster empathy for others and grace for themselves. Jenna Wirth, Parents, 15 Mar. 2024 But buyers’ needs vary widely, depending on their level of knowledge, the local market and the complexity of the transaction. Rachel Kurzius, Washington Post, 15 Mar. 2024 Given the millions of potential victims and the complexity of calculating losses, prosecutors said any money turned over by Mr. Bankman-Fried would best be distributed in the FTX bankruptcy. David Yaffe-Bellany, New York Times, 15 Mar. 2024 The dueling objectives highlight the complexities of de-risking from China, and indicate that efforts to reduce dependence on Beijing will require strategic choices and at times difficult tradeoffs. Mary Hui, Quartz, 14 Mar. 2024 Regular grand juries often make this decision in a day, although the duration depends on the case's complexity and how much evidence needs to be presented. Miguel Torres, The Arizona Republic, 9 Mar. 2024 With a profound grasp of accounting principles and tax regulations, Certified Public Accountants are invaluable advisors for navigating financial complexities and ensuring adherence to legal standards. Bryce Welker, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2024 With this omission, Murrell has forgone some layers of complexity. Hilton Als, The New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'complexity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near complexity

Cite this Entry

“Complexity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/complexity. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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

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