complexity

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "complexity" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express something complicated or hard to understand. For example, "The complexity of quantum physics makes it challenging to comprehend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"There is... a total lack of clarity as to how a government would proceed to unravel a relationship that has developed in complexity over more than 40 years.

The Guardian

Every rhythmic lurch and stylistic shift, though, remains in the service of the band's greater groove, giving these 10 tracks an ease that belies their ferocious complexity".

The Guardian - Music

The moral complexity of genetic engineering, gamete selection and foetal surgery ran way ahead of old concepts of right and wrong.

The Guardian - Opinion

The code has been in production for the better part of a month now and helped dramatically collapse the code size and complexity in a way that I feel will be simple to maintain.

The Guardian

If Missouri or any other American state with similar conflicts – racial, religious, political, whatever – have any hope of healing, it lies with those who are serious and sturdy enough to ditch their petrified opinions, to embrace complexity and to absorb facts that make them uneasy.

The Guardian - Opinion

"If UK Labour says it won't enter a coalition with the SNP, and polls nearer the time show that the Tories are ahead, then there is a great complexity for these voters.

The Guardian

And we must use every tool at our disposal to understand this complexity and design responses to it.

The Guardian

Community-based healthcare should be limited to major illnesses: Each health concern you ask a community health worker to address adds complexity of training, supply chain and culture.

The Guardian

If we are to rise effectively to our behaviour change challenges, we must get our hands dirty amid the messy, complexity that is human behaviour.

The Guardian

However, relying on quant surveys to understand the complexity of human behaviour is like relying on the dipstick to understand the complexity of the internal combustion engine.

The Guardian

The complexity of criminal networks The networks that bring people from war-torn nations to the African shores of the Mediterranean and then on to boats are not just necessarily criminal.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract concepts, use "complexity" to denote the level of difficulty in understanding or dealing with them. For example, use "the complexity of quantum physics".

Common error

Avoid using "complexity" in isolation; always specify what is complex and why. Instead of saying "the project suffered from complexity", specify "the project suffered from the complexity of coordinating multiple teams and conflicting deadlines".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "complexity" is as a noun, referring to the state or quality of being complex or intricate. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in describing various situations, systems, and concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "complexity" functions as a noun, denoting intricacy or difficulty. As Ludwig's analysis confirms, the word is grammatically sound and widely used, especially in news, business, and scientific contexts. To avoid vagueness, always specify what is complex and why, using synonyms like "intricacy" or "complicatedness" to provide nuanced meaning. "Complexity" appears very frequently in The Guardian. Overall, using "complexity" effectively means providing clear context and detailed explanations to enhance understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intricacy

Focuses on the detailed and elaborate nature of something.

intricateness

Similar to intricacy, highlighting the detailed and interwoven aspects.

complicatedness

Emphasizes the difficulty in understanding or dealing with something.

convolutedness

Highlights the intricate and complicated nature of something.

difficulty

Highlights the challenge involved in understanding or handling something.

elaborateness

Stresses the detailed and ornate quality of something.

multifaceted nature

Emphasizes the many aspects or dimensions of something.

involvedness

Suggests that something is intricate and requires careful attention.

knotty problem

Highlights the difficulty in resolving an issue due to its complexity.

Byzantine

Suggests excessive and often unnecessary complexity.

FAQs

How can I use "complexity" in a sentence?

You can use "complexity" to describe something intricate or difficult to understand. For instance, "The "complexity of the situation" required careful consideration".

What are some synonyms for "complexity"?

Alternatives include "intricacy", "complicatedness", or "difficulty", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "complexity" or "complicatedness"?

"Complexity" generally refers to the state of being intricate or multifaceted, while "complicatedness" emphasizes the difficulty involved. The choice depends on whether you want to stress intricacy or challenge.

What is the difference between "complexity" and "simplicity"?

"Complexity" refers to something intricate and hard to understand, whereas "simplicity" refers to something easy to understand and without unnecessary details. They are antonyms.