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

This comes through in a wrenching, triumphant performance by McDonald that manages to make Rose a sympathetic, fascinating character and not a one-dimensional monster who belts. —Christopher Barnard, Vogue, 20 Dec. 2024

Instead, different particles would result from different modes of vibration of a one-dimensional string, either a loop or a snippet with ends attached to multidimensional spatial objects called branes. —Tom Siegfried, JSTOR Daily, 19 Dec. 2024

Prioritizing speed is a one-dimensional approach focused solely on time to completion, while prioritizing efficiency is a systematic, multidimensional approach that ensures actions align with risk tolerance. —Expert Panel®, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024

Apart from Sara, the supposedly smart woman who keeps making stupid choices, the other characters are entirely one-dimensional. —Alissa Simon, Variety, 14 Dec. 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