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 opportunity now is to build on these lessons through closer cooperation across governments, industry, technology and capital in order to create energy systems that can perform reliably as demand and complexity continue to grow. — H.e. Dr Abdulla Saif Al Jarwan, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026

But Apple hasn’t found some magical software solution to making a product with this much inherent complexity any less chaotic. — Nilay Patel, The Verge, 21 Oct. 2026

Williams acknowledged the legal complexities but said the underlying principle is straightforward. — Brian Unger, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026

That creates complexity and risk for truckers crossing state lines. — Matt Egan, CNN Money, 21 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