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

Another Schiller inquiry involves the familiar complexities of Medicare. — Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2026

Simultaneously rendering the past less remote while relishing its radical foreignness, Beard presses readers to grapple with alien ideas, reckon with gaps in their knowledge, and confront complexity. — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 20 July 2026

The joint configuration was selected based on industrial task data, eliminating unnecessary complexity while improving long-term reliability. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 20 July 2026

Baker says there should be more of these professionals, because the number of children with significant medical complexity is growing. — Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 20 July 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