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

• superficial
• shallow

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

On occasion, when playing in tricky Nations League matches and Euro qualifiers, England have been challenged for being too predictable and one-dimensional. —Nancy Froston, New York Times, 30 June 2025

What Human-Centric Training Should Look Like To truly reinvent security awareness, organizations need to move from static, one-dimensional programs to those that empower employees and respond to evolving risks. —Masha Sedova, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025

That repertoire, however, was never one-dimensional. —Ime Ekpo, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025

Hogan also had a personality that connected with the audience as something more than a one-dimensional, meathead heel. —Marc Raimondi june 25, Literary Hub, 25 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for one-dimensional

• multidimensional
• unidimensional
• attentional
• conventional
• dimensional
• extensional
• intensional
• intentional
• interventional
• nonconventional
• nondimensional
• unconventional

Kids Definition

one-dimensional

adjective

1

: having one dimension

2

: stereotyped