Word
complexity
Phoneticscom·plex·i·ty, stress on the second syllable
US/kəmˈpɫɛksəti/
UK/kəmplˈɛksɪti/
Definitions
01the state of being complicated
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Academic
n. the quality of having many different parts that are connected in a difficult way.
n. the abstract state or quality of being intricate, multifaceted, or difficult to analyse. Uncountable in this general sense.
日本語:複雑さ※
“The complexity of the new tax laws makes them very hard for most people to follow.”
“The sheer complexity of the global supply chain means that a single disruption in one port can affect prices worldwide.”
Usage
Often used with the preposition 'of' followed by a noun phrase.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02a complicated feature
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Academic · Formal
n. a specific part of something that is difficult to deal with or understand.
n. a specific intricate detail or complication within a larger system. Countable in this sense.
“We need to consider all the complexities of the situation before we make a final decision.”
“The legal team spent months navigating the complexities of the international merger to ensure full compliance with local regulations.”
Usage
Frequently used in the plural form 'complexities' to refer to various difficult aspects of a topic.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “complexity” in context.
Verb
01. add complexity
“The new regulations add complexity to an already difficult legal process.”
verb + noun
02. increase complexity
“Using multiple software platforms can significantly increase complexity for the IT department.”
verb + noun
03. reduce complexity
“The main goal of the redesign was to reduce complexity and improve user experience.”
verb + noun
04. reflect complexity
“The artist's work aims to reflect the complexity of modern urban life.”
verb + noun
Adjective
05. increased complexity
“The increased complexity of the project required hiring additional specialists.”
adj + noun
06. increasing complexity
“Scientists are struggling to model the increasing complexity of global weather patterns.”
adj + noun
Real-World Examples
“If we couldn’t make generalisations, we would be paralysed by the world’s complexity.” “Hysteroscopies are common procedures – classed by the NHS as “high volume low complexity”.” Etymology
From complex + -ity. Partially displaced native English manifoldness.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/complexity
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0