complexity

noun

com·​plex·​i·​ty kəm-ˈplek-sə-tē How to pronounce complexity (audio)
käm-
plural complexities
1
: something complex
the complexities of the murder trial
2
: the quality or state of being complex
the complexity of the contract

Examples of complexity in a Sentence

He was impressed by the complexity of the music. The diagram illustrates the complexity of the cell's structure. He doesn't grasp the complexity of the situation.
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.
This means designing curricula that force students to grapple with complexity before introducing AI assistance. Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025 The price for commercial dishwashers runs from the low thousands of dollars to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the size and complexity of the dish problem the machines are supposed to tackle. Jeremy Lott, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025 Installation prices range from around $200 to $400, depending on the system and its complexity. John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 11 Sep. 2025 Staff are horology enthusiasts who understand movement, casebacks, complexity, and provenance. Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for complexity

Word History

Etymology

complex entry 2 + -ity, perhaps after French complexité

First Known Use

1661, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of complexity was in 1661

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Complexity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/complexity. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

complexity

noun
com·​plex·​i·​ty kəm-ˈplek-sət-ē How to pronounce complexity (audio)
käm-
plural complexities
1
: something complex
the complexities of the English language
2
: the quality or state of being complex

More from Merriam-Webster on complexity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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