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

His Iceman would likely join the pantheon of Eighties bullies and one-dimensional uber-jocks — Johnny in The Karate Kid or Craig Sheffer in Some Kind of Wonderful. —John Devore, Rolling Stone, 2 Apr. 2025

With the exception of the two men who provide the film with its ridiculously unexciting love triangle, everyone in Alex’s orbit is one-dimensional and uninteresting. —Courtney Howard, Variety, 28 Mar. 2025

Why not to pick 'em: Being dependent on one player to score could make the Cyclones one-dimensional against good teams. —Justin Kaufmann, Axios, 18 Mar. 2025

Everybody in the American wants to stop the run and make (opponents) one-dimensional. —Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 17 Mar. 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