one-dimensional

adjective

one-di·​men·​sion·​al ˈwən-də-ˈmen(t)-sh(ə-)nəl 

also -dī-

1

: having one dimension

A straight line is one-dimensional.

The one-dimensional sequence of amino acids is the primary structure.

—Douglas R. Hofstadter

2

: lacking depth or complexity : superficial

To the audience, the term "sitcom" connoted a lot of one-dimensional stories and characters.

—Bob Fisher

one-dimensionality

ˈwən-də-ˌmen(t)-shə-ˈna-lə-tē 

also -dī-

noun

one-di​mension​ally adverb

a one-dimensionally portrayed character

The pixels were arranged one-dimensionally. [=in a straight line]

Synonyms of one-dimensional

• superficial
• shallow

Examples of one-dimensional in a Sentence

a one-dimensional analysis of a novel that has a lot to say about personal courage

Recent Examples on the Web

While the Saints were subtracting a one-dimensional speed receiver with modest offensive numbers, the Seahawks were adding a game-changing return specialist. — Mike Sando, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026

Wines that have gone past their peak often taste flat, muted, or one-dimensional. — Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 1 Sep. 2026

Perhaps the lesson from last week’s settlement and previous efforts to limit the potential harms of certain industries is that one-dimensional approaches are not enough. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 31 Aug. 2026

This is not a one-dimensional or linear happening, but rather a complex, multidimensional one playing out across the African diaspora. — Ime Ekpo, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for one-dimensional

• multidimensional
• unidimensional
• attentional
• conventional
• dimensional
• extensional
• intensional
• intentional
• interventional
• nonconventional
• nondimensional
• unconventional

Kids Definition

one-dimensional

adjective

1

: having one dimension

2

: stereotyped