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 made it 17-0 and set the stage for Philly to generate 4 more Sacks against a one-dimensional Chiefs Offense. —Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 11 Feb. 2025

This circles back to the comment about the Australian government’s investment in Australian cinema, is that when in the earlier drafts of the script, Ken (Grace’s husband) was just a bit vacuous, one-dimensional. —Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 4 Feb. 2025

That energy doesn’t just translate on the offensive side of the ball for Shi, who is far from a one-dimensional gunner. —Joseph Dycus, The Mercury News, 1 Feb. 2025

But screenwriter Jared Rosenberg puts him on mute about a third of the way through and that leaves us stranded with Madelyn (Dockery) and Winston (Grace), two one-dimensional bores. —Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 29 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

one-dimensional

adjective

1

: having one dimension

2

: stereotyped