Complexity — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /kəm-ˈplek-sə-tē/ com·plex·i·ty

Meaning & Definition of Complexity

Complexity (noun)

  1. something complex
  2. the quality or state of being complex

Complexity (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the state or quality of having many interrelated parts or aspects

    "the complexity of the company's computer system is such that a full-time employee is needed to maintain it"

    similar: complexness, complicacy, complicatedness, complication, elaborateness, intricacy, intricateness, involution, knottiness, sophistication
    related: diversity, heterogeneity, heterogeneousness, multifariousness, impenetrability, incomprehensibility, inexplicability
    opposite: plainness, simpleness, simplicity
    near: simplification, homogeneity, uniformity

  2. something that makes a situation more complicated or difficult

    "the political complexities that the secretary-general must deal with"

    similar: complicacy, complication, convolution, difficulty, intricacy, fly in the ointment
    related: aftereffect, ramification, side effect, subtlety, technicality, annoyance, bitch, bother, headache, inconvenience, matter, trouble

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Complexity

The most common words with a similar meaning to Complexity:

complexness, complicacy, complicatedness, complication, elaborateness, intricacy, intricateness, involution, knottiness, sophistication, convolution, difficulty, fly in the ointment

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Complexity

Words with the opposite meaning of Complexity:

plainness, simpleness, simplicity

Related Words for Complexity

diversity, heterogeneity, heterogeneousness, multifariousness, impenetrability, incomprehensibility, inexplicability, aftereffect, ramification, side effect, subtlety, technicality, annoyance, bitch, bother, headache, inconvenience, matter, trouble

Near Antonyms of Complexity

simplification, homogeneity, uniformity

Word Forms of Complexity

Inflections: complexities

Origin & Etymology of Complexity

complex:2 + -ity, perhaps after French complexité

First known use: 1661

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Complexity

Frequently Asked Questions about Complexity

What does "Complexity" mean?

"Complexity" means something complex. As a noun, it is defined as: something complex. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Complexity"?

Other words for "Complexity" include complexness, complicacy, complicatedness, complication, elaborateness, intricacy, intricateness and involution. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Complexity" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Complexity"?

There are 32 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Complexity". Common alternatives include complexness, complicacy, complicatedness, complication, elaborateness, intricacy, intricateness, involution, knottiness and sophistication.

What is the opposite of "Complexity"?

Antonyms of "Complexity" include plainness, simpleness and simplicity. Near antonyms include simplification, homogeneity and uniformity.

How do you use "Complexity" in a sentence?

Examples of "Complexity" in a sentence: "the complexity of the company's computer system is such that a full-time employee is needed to maintain it"; "the political complexities that the secretary-general must deal with".

Is "Complexity" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Complexity" is a noun.

Is "Complexity" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Complexity" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Complexity"?

"Complexity" is pronounced /kəm-ˈplek-sə-tē/ and divided into syllables as com·plex·i·ty.