complexity

/kəmˈplɛksəti/

Say it: kum-PLEK-suh-tee

1. noun The state or quality of being made up of many different, interconnected parts, often making something difficult to understand or manage.
The complexity of the new tax code baffled even the most experienced accountants.
2. noun A feature or element of something that is intricate or complicated.
One of the complexities of the project is coordinating with teams in different time zones.

📖 Seen in the wild

The sheer complexity of the legal case required months of preparation.
collected by @vocablast

✏️ complexity in a sentence

Scientists are still trying to fully understand the complexity of the human brain.
The manager's goal was to reduce the complexity of the workflow to increase efficiency.
The novel was praised for its thematic complexity and rich character development.
The growing complexity of global supply chains makes them vulnerable to disruption.
He explained the rules of the game, but I was lost in all the little complexities.
The technical complexity of the engine repair required a specialized mechanic.
Despite its apparent simplicity, the system has a hidden layer of complexity.

🔁 Synonyms & antonyms

intricacy complication sophistication elaborateness difficulty knottiness convolutedness

intricacy · suggests a fine, detailed, and often delicate arrangement of parts.

complication · implies a factor that makes a situation more difficult, usually an added problem.

sophistication · suggests a high level of development, refinement, or advanced design.

elaborateness · focuses on the high level of detail and thoroughness in a plan or design.

Opposites: simplicity, clarity, straightforwardness, plainness

🌱 Where it comes from

The word traces back to the Latin 'complexus', meaning 'to encircle or embrace'. This came from 'com-', meaning 'with', and 'plectere', meaning 'to weave or braid'. The idea of many parts woven together evolved into our modern sense of an intricate and complicated state.

🧩 How it's used

Common patterns:

level of complexitygrowing complexityunnecessary complexityreduce the complexityadd complexity to

Complexity is a neutral term describing a system with many interconnected parts. It is often confused with 'complication', which specifically refers to a problem or obstacle that makes something more difficult. A watch mechanism has complexity; a flat tire is a complication. Use 'complexity' for the inherent structure of a system and 'complication' for a problem that arises within it.

Word family: complex, complexly

💬 Quick answers

What does complexity mean?

Complexity is the state of having many different but interconnected parts. This quality often makes something difficult to understand, analyze, or manage.

What is the difference between complexity and complication?

Complexity describes a system with many parts, which can be a neutral or even desirable trait. A complication is a specific problem or obstacle that makes a situation more difficult, and it almost always has a negative connotation.

Is complexity a positive or negative word?

Complexity is neutral. Whether it's seen as positive or negative depends on the context. It can describe a sophisticated and rich system or a confusing and unmanageable one.

What is the verb for complexity?

The most common related verb is 'complicate'. The verb 'complexify' also exists but is much less common and is often considered jargon.

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