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

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

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