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

• facile
• shallow
• skin-deep
• superficial

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

He is then threatened and jailed by one of several menacing one-dimensional Argentine authorities peppered throughout the pic. —Beandrea July, IndieWire, 7 Sep. 2024

Cannavale does everything to keep Rich from being unsympathetic, but the role drags him down toward one-dimensional acting, great as this star is. —Pete Hammond, Deadline, 6 Sep. 2024

Since the characters remain one-dimensional — not much more than cartoonish gamer avatars — we’re never terribly invested in their survival, or their quest to get to the vault first. —David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Aug. 2024

The term Manic Pixie Dream Girl was first coined by critic Nathan Rabin in 2005 to describe a certain type of one-dimensional female film character. —Elise Taylor, Vogue, 1 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

one-dimensional

adjective

1

: having one dimension

2

: stereotyped