overwhelming complexity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overwhelming complexity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, concept, or problem that is extremely complicated or difficult to understand. Example: "The overwhelming complexity of the new regulations left many businesses confused about how to comply."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

For some, the question is of such overwhelming complexity, it reduces them to mumbling incomprehension.

The Guardian

Where should reasonable expectations for cyber security be set in light of the overwhelming complexity of cyber systems?

Stanford University

The overwhelming complexity of chemical compositions and structural motifs in biology renders the task of "reverse engineering" a formidable challenge.

Acta Biomaterialia

Sure, the overwhelming complexity found in the biological realm appears discouraging for the engineer who engages in a biomimetic approach.

Advances in Botanical Research

As I watched the film, the overwhelming complexity of combat — the fear, the sweat and the sense of unleashed aggression — came rushing back to me.

The New York Times

The new heuristics guiding decision-makers at Apple, Salesforce, and the US military are allowing them to embrace the opportunities that others see only as overwhelming complexity.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

But it helps me little in explaining the overwhelming complexities all around us to ascribe it all to an even more complex engineer of those complexities.

Huffington Post

Ultimately English ducks his own question, insisting there can be no simple answer given the overwhelming complexities involved.

The Guardian - Books

"To my mind, this embracing of what were unambiguously children's characters at their mid-20th century inception seems to indicate a retreat from the admittedly overwhelming complexities of modern existence," he wrote to Ó Méalóid.

The Guardian - Books

They worry about the rising health care costs, the future stability of the economy and the overwhelming complexities of the tax code.

Forbes

Such overwhelming complexities of atomic arrangement of deviated atoms was confirmed by the feature of radial distribution function W(r), derived from coherent diffuse scattering Ic (k).

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "overwhelming complexity", ensure your sentence clearly indicates what is complex and why it is overwhelming. Be specific to enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "overwhelming complexity" as a vague descriptor. Always provide specific details or examples to illustrate the nature and source of the complexity you are describing. Blanket statements weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overwhelming complexity" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used. It describes situations or concepts that are extremely complicated and difficult to understand or manage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

36%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "overwhelming complexity" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase to describe scenarios marked by extreme intricacy and difficulty. As Ludwig AI confirms, its correct usage spans across diverse fields like science, news, and academia, underlining its versatility. While it is acceptable to use, be mindful to provide context and avoid vagueness. Consider employing alternatives like "extreme intricacy" or "profound complexity" for nuanced expression. Top sources like The New York Times and The Guardian showcase its application in authoritative contexts, reinforcing its widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overwhelmingly intricate

Expresses the same level of complexity but as an adjective.

extreme intricacy

Emphasizes the detailed and elaborate nature of the complexity.

immense intricacy

Highlights the vastness or scale of the complexity.

profound complexity

Suggests a deep and fundamental level of complexity.

formidable intricacy

Implies that the complexity is challenging to deal with.

considerable intricacy

Indicates a notable or substantial degree of complexity.

unmanageable complication

Focuses on the difficulty in handling or resolving the complexity.

daunting complexity

Highlights the intimidating nature of the complexity.

incomprehensible complication

Emphasizes the lack of understandability due to the complexity.

exceeding complication

Complexity that goes beyond the expected level.

FAQs

How can I use "overwhelming complexity" in a sentence?

You can use "overwhelming complexity" to describe situations where something is extremely difficult to understand or manage due to its many interconnected parts. For example, "The project failed due to the "overwhelming complexity" of the regulations."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "overwhelming complexity"?

Alternatives include "extreme intricacy", "immense intricacy", or "profound complexity". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the complexity is overwhelming"?

Yes, "the complexity is overwhelming" is a grammatically correct and acceptable way to express the idea that something is exceedingly complex. It is a variation of ""overwhelming complexity"".

What distinguishes "overwhelming complexity" from "high complexity"?

"Overwhelming complexity" implies that the complexity is not only high but also difficult to manage or comprehend, whereas "high complexity" simply indicates a high degree of intricacy without necessarily implying a sense of being unmanageable.