one-dimensional

adjective

one-di·​men·​sion·​al
ˈwən-də-ˈmen(t)-sh(ə-)nəl
 How to pronounce one-dimensional (audio)
 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 noun
one-di​mension​ally adverb
a one-dimensionally portrayed character
The pixels were arranged one-dimensionally. [=in a straight line]

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
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.
Don’t think about your containers as simply one-dimensional. Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 2 June 2025 This newer technology stores information in the form of two-dimensional shapes like dots, squares and even rectangles, which store even more data than their one-dimensional counterparts. Benjamin Claeys, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025 The one-dimensional 2024 Hawkeyes ranked second in the Big Ten in rushing yards per game (197.2), the program’s most since 2002, and gouged opponents for a Big Ten-best 28 runs of 20-plus yards. Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 29 May 2025 But what’s interesting here is that Armstrong doesn’t write Venis as a one-dimensional monster. Andrew Wallenstein, Variety, 28 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for one-dimensional

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of one-dimensional was in 1876

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Cite this Entry

“One-dimensional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/one-dimensional. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

one-dimensional

adjective
1
: having one dimension
2

More from Merriam-Webster on one-dimensional

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