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

But the impact of these scenes is undercut by the fact that if Matt is a two-dimensional character, at best, everyone around him is one-dimensional and rudimentary. — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026

Textiles, woven from one-dimensional fibres, have never matched this capability. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 22 Oct. 2026

The team is one-dimensional and predictable, which might be a problem. — David Troy Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026

Based on the bestselling novel by Kevin Kwan, Crazy Rich Asians marked a watershed moment for Asian representation in Hollywood and a promising step forward in an industry filled with one-dimensional stereotypes. — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 9 Oct. 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