gratuitous complication

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gratuitous complication" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an unnecessary or excessive complexity added to a situation or process. Example: "The new regulations introduced a gratuitous complication to the already complex approval process."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Gratuitous, too.

The New York Times

Note that gratuitous "lamely".

The New York Times - Books

"They are not gratuitous.

Independent

It's just gratuitous.

Independent

Or gratuitous?

The Guardian

Stark, gratuitous.

The Guardian

Literature is necessarily gratuitous.

Independent

Adding Glass felt gratuitous.

The New York Times

It was gratuitous.

The New York Times

Also disable Gratuitous Address Resolution Protocol (ARP).

Securing VOIP Keeping your VOIP Network Safe

The gratuitous 3-D effects!

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gratuitous complication" when you want to emphasize that a complexity is not only unnecessary but also adds no value or benefit to a situation. Consider if a simpler approach would suffice.

Common error

Avoid using "gratuitous complication" in situations where a simpler term like "unnecessary difficulty" would suffice. The phrase carries a connotation of excess and should be reserved for truly unwarranted complexities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gratuitous complication" functions as a noun phrase where "gratuitous" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "complication". It describes a situation or process that has been unnecessarily made complex.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gratuitous complication" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe an unnecessary and valueless increase in complexity. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct. While examples are currently lacking, the phrase is most suitable for neutral to formal contexts, where precision in conveying criticism regarding redundant complexity is required. Related phrases offer varying shades of meaning, from simple "unnecessary complexity" to more nuanced "artificial complexity". When using the phrase, it's crucial to ensure that the complexity is genuinely unwarranted and serves no beneficial purpose. Otherwise, a simpler alternative might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gratuitous convolution

Synonymous, highlights an overly complex and unnecessary level of complication.

unnecessary complexity

Focuses on the lack of necessity in the complication, emphasizing its redundancy.

needless intricacy

Highlights the unnecessary fine details that make something complicated.

redundant complexity

Emphasizes that the complication is repetitive and adds no value.

artificial complexity

Suggests the complication is contrived and not naturally occurring.

superfluous entanglement

Suggests the complication is excessive and creates a hindering situation.

unwarranted difficulty

Indicates the complication creates difficulty that is not justified.

excessive convolution

Draws attention to the winding and confusing nature of the complication.

extraneous elaboration

Highlights that the complication is added detail that isn't essential.

pointless obfuscation

Focuses on how the complication makes things unclear without a valid reason.

FAQs

How can "gratuitous complication" be used in a sentence?

"Gratuitous complication" can describe an unnecessary level of difficulty added to a process or situation. For example, "The new regulations introduced a "gratuitous complication" to the already complex approval process."

What phrases are similar to "gratuitous complication"?

Alternatives include "unnecessary complexity", "needless intricacy", or "redundant complexity", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "gratuitous complication" formal or informal?

The phrase "gratuitous complication" leans towards formal usage due to its precise and somewhat technical tone. It's suitable for professional or academic contexts but might sound overly verbose in casual conversation.

When is it appropriate to use "gratuitous complication" instead of "unnecessary problem"?

Use "gratuitous complication" when you want to specifically emphasize that an added layer of complexity is not only unnecessary but also adds no value or benefit. "Unnecessary problem" is a more general term for any needless issue.