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

• 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

Unlike many formulas that start dewy and end up oily, or others that stay flat and one-dimensional from dawn to dusk, this one actually strikes the perfect balance. —Lily Wohlner, Allure, 19 Sep. 2025

Without Jeanty being able to rifle off chunk yardage on downs, the team will remain one-dimensional behind the arm of Smith. —James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025

The goal for the Horned Frogs should be to keep SMU under 120 yards on the ground and make the Mustangs’ offense one-dimensional. —Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Sep. 2025

But what that does mean is letting go of a one-dimensional definition of success that just doesn’t match our current reality. —Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2025

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