one-dimensional

adjective

one-di·​men·​sion·​al ˈwən-də-ˈmen(t)-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce one-dimensional (audio)
also -dī-
Synonyms of one-dimensionalnext
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 noun
one-di​mension​ally adverb
a one-dimensionally portrayed character
The pixels were arranged one-dimensionally. [=in a straight line]

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Hamspon is employing a simplified one-dimensional model to accelerate simulations while coupling thermodynamic and neutronic effects. Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 12 Jan. 2026 Everyone has a phone in their pocket, but that is really one-dimensional. Laura Phillips, CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026 Finally, the team returned to the one-dimensional CCF equations, this time finding an even more unstable singularity than before. Quanta Magazine, 9 Jan. 2026 The Panthers, who have averaged just 16 ppg over the last month, need to lean on their RB tandem to ease the pressure on Bryce Young, but the Rams are among the NFL’s top run stop units and figure to make Carolina one-dimensional. Hank Gola, New York Daily News, 9 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for one-dimensional

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of one-dimensional was in 1876

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Cite this Entry

“One-dimensional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/one-dimensional. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

one-dimensional

adjective
1
: having one dimension
2

More from Merriam-Webster on one-dimensional

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