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

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

Deeming Indian food one-dimensional is just as shortsighted as saying vegetarian food is bland or boring. —Kaitlyn Rosati, New York Daily News, 12 Mar. 2025

But what’s often overlooked—or at least, not given as much attention—are the partnerships that actually work, thrive, and defy those tired one-dimensional narratives. —Jenna Ryu, SELF, 10 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