complexity
The state or quality of being intricate, complicated, or consisting of many interconnected parts. It is used to describe systems, problems, or ideas that are difficult to understand or analyze due to their detailed nature.
Examples
3 of 5I was surprised by the complexity of the recipe, which had over twenty steps.
I was surprised by the complexity of the recipe, which had over twenty steps.
The committee must carefully consider the complexity of the legal framework before making a final decision.
The committee must carefully consider the complexity of the legal framework before making a final decision.
The complexity of this video game's mechanics is what makes it so addictive for players.
The complexity of this video game's mechanics is what makes it so addictive for players.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a 'complex' of buildings: many different parts and structures connected together to form one large, intricate whole.
Quick Quiz
The ______ of the tax code makes it difficult for average citizens to file their own returns without help.
Correct!
The correct answer is: complexity
Examples
I was surprised by the complexity of the recipe, which had over twenty steps.
everydayI was surprised by the complexity of the recipe, which had over twenty steps.
The committee must carefully consider the complexity of the legal framework before making a final decision.
formalThe committee must carefully consider the complexity of the legal framework before making a final decision.
The complexity of this video game's mechanics is what makes it so addictive for players.
informalThe complexity of this video game's mechanics is what makes it so addictive for players.
Researchers are investigating the complexity of neural pathways in the human brain to understand memory storage.
academicResearchers are investigating the complexity of neural pathways in the human brain to understand memory storage.
We need to reduce the complexity of our global supply chain to improve our annual efficiency.
businessWe need to reduce the complexity of our global supply chain to improve our annual efficiency.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
layers of complexity
layers of complexity
degree of complexity
degree of complexity
structural complexity
structural complexity
Often Confused With
Complexity is the inherent state of being intricate, while a complication is a specific problem or event that makes a situation more difficult.
Usage Notes
Complexity is most often used to describe systems or abstract concepts. It can be used as an uncountable noun for the general quality, or as a countable noun ('complexities') when referring to specific intricate details.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use the adjective 'complex' where the noun 'complexity' is required, or they confuse it with 'complication' when talking about a difficult problem.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'complex' of buildings: many different parts and structures connected together to form one large, intricate whole.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'complexus', meaning 'surrounding' or 'encompassing', from 'com-' (together) and 'plectere' (to weave).
Grammar Patterns
Quick Quiz
The ______ of the tax code makes it difficult for average citizens to file their own returns without help.
Correct!
The correct answer is: complexity
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
to
A1Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward. It can also mark the recipient of an action or the limit of a range.
and
A1A primary conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. It indicates addition, a sequence of events, or a relationship between two things.
a
A1A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.
that
A1This word is a demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific person, object, or idea that is further away in space or time from the speaker. It is also used to refer back to something that has already been mentioned or to introduce a clause that identifies something.
I
A1The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.
for
A1Used to show who is intended to have or use something, or to explain the purpose or reason for an action. It is also frequently used to indicate a specific duration of time.
not
A1A function word used to express negation or denial. It is primarily used to make a sentence or phrase negative, often following an auxiliary verb or the verb 'to be'.
with
A1A preposition used to indicate that people or things are together, in the same place, or performing an action together. It can also describe the instrument used to perform an action or a characteristic that someone or something has.
he
A1A pronoun used to refer to a male person or animal that has already been mentioned or is easily identified. It functions as the subject of a sentence.
you
A1Used to refer to the person or people that the speaker is addressing. It is the second-person pronoun used for both singular and plural subjects and objects.
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