unduly complex

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unduly complex" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is unnecessarily complicated or intricate, often in a context where simplicity is preferred. Example: "The instructions provided were unduly complex, making it difficult for users to follow them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Most featured simple, memorable melodies in a cappella arrangements that were sophisticated but not unduly complex.

The New York Times - Arts

This is vintage Trumpism: the revelation that our problems have been presented as unduly complex.

The New Yorker

The for mer rules are unduly complex and cumbersome; the latter are downright primitive.

The New York Times

Or several functions may require excess staff in order to control or manage a plant which is unduly complex.

Harvard Business Review

On the surface, it could feel like these modern TV romcoms – with their crude humour, gratifyingly dysfunctional characters and unduly complex trajectories – are simply offering a cosmetic update.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

For more than three years, however, corporate America has resisted the mandate, warning that following the law would be a logistical nightmare, unduly complex and ultimately meaningless.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

A major review of Australian native title has found the process is unduly onerous, complex and technical and called for amendments to streamline proof requirements.

The Guardian

The prescriptive method can be ambiguous, contradictory, complex, and unduly restrictive in practice, and it can be ad hoc and difficult to implement as a computer application.

Advanced Engineering Informatics

The model reached equilibrium for the full range of values tested, showing that the qualitative results were not unduly sensitive to the parameters; we did not observe complex dynamics (such as limit cycles) in any case.

Plosone

Determining and administering these new requirements will require complex and slow-moving bureaucratic rulemaking that would unduly limit capital formation in the intervening period.

TechCrunch

They range from an unduly simplistic approach to cementing a well that penetrated a complex geologic structure to not installing additional hardware that would have helped back up the cement barrier.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unduly complex", consider if a simpler alternative can convey the same meaning more effectively. Clarity is often preferred over perceived sophistication.

Common error

While "unduly complex" is appropriate in formal settings, avoid it in casual writing. Simpler phrases like "too complicated" or "needlessly confusing" are often more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unduly complex" functions as an adjectival modifier, describing a noun as being unnecessarily complicated. As Ludwig AI suggests, it points out that something is more intricate than necessary, based on Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unduly complex" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term to describe something that is unnecessarily complicated. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and common usage, predominantly in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business contexts. While the phrase is perfectly acceptable and correct, it is important to use it only when you want to communicate an action of criticism, suggesting that simplification would be beneficial. For informal writing, simpler alternatives like "too complicated" or "needlessly intricate" may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excessively complicated

Focuses on the extreme level of complication.

unnecessarily intricate

Highlights the unnecessary nature of the detail and complexity.

overly convoluted

Emphasizes the winding and confusing nature of the complexity.

needlessly complicated

Stresses that the complexity serves no real purpose.

gratuitously complex

Implies the complexity is excessive and uncalled for.

unjustifiably complicated

Indicates there's no good reason for the complexity.

inordinately elaborate

Highlights the excessive level of detail and care.

unduly difficult

Shifts the focus to the difficulty arising from the complexity.

inappropriately complex

Suggests the level of complexity is not suitable for the situation.

unreasonably complicated

Conveys that the complexity is beyond what is fair or sensible.

FAQs

How can I use "unduly complex" in a sentence?

You can use "unduly complex" to describe something that is unnecessarily complicated. For example, "The instructions were "unduly complex", making it hard to assemble the product."

What's a simpler way to say "unduly complex"?

Alternatives include "too complicated", "needlessly intricate", or "unnecessarily elaborate".

When is it appropriate to use "unduly complex"?

"Unduly complex" is suitable for formal writing or when criticizing a process or system for being unnecessarily complicated. It's less common in casual conversation.

What is the difference between "unduly complex" and "excessively complex"?

While similar, "excessively complex" simply means very complicated. "Unduly complex" implies that the complexity is unnecessary or inappropriate for the situation. It's more critical.