complexity
the quality of being complicated
The state of having many parts and being hard to understand or do.
the complexity of [something]
- We underestimated the complexity of the project and ran out of time.
- The book explains the complexity of human memory in clear language.
- Modern cities are growing in size and complexity.
- He enjoys the intellectual complexity of philosophy.
- The software hides the underlying complexity from the user.
- The complexity of the job surprised me.
- They talked about the complexity of modern life.
- I do not fully understand the complexity of this problem.
- The teacher tried to reduce the complexity of the topic.
- We need more time because of the complexity of the task.
a difficult detailed aspect
A difficult and detailed part of a system or situation, usually one of many problems.
the complexities of [something]
- Journalists often simplify the complexities of international trade.
- A good lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of the legal system.
- The course introduces students to the complexities of managing large teams.
- We are only beginning to grasp the complexities of climate change.
- The novel explores the emotional complexities of family life.
- She explained the complexities of the tax system.
- It is hard to understand the political complexities in that region.
- We hired a guide to help us with the legal complexities.
- The teacher talked about the social complexities of the internet.
- Students often feel lost in the administrative complexities of the university.
computational complexity of algorithms
In computing and math, a way to show how much time or memory an algorithm needs when the input gets bigger.
[type] complexity of [algorithm/system]
- This sorting algorithm has a time complexity of O(n log n).
- We chose a different method to reduce the computational complexity of the model.
- Space complexity becomes critical when running on small devices.
- The course covers basic concepts in complexity and computability.
- They compared the complexity of several encryption algorithms.
- We study the time complexity of this algorithm in class.
- The new code has lower complexity and runs faster.
- Space complexity is important for programs on phones.
- We want an algorithm with low complexity and good results.
- In computer science, we often talk about complexity using Big-O notation.
rich, multilayered quality in art or taste
A rich and interesting quality that comes from many small parts working together, often in art, music, or food.
the complexity of [artwork/music/flavor/design]
- Critics praised the emotional complexity of her performance.
- The wine has surprising complexity for such a low price.
- The complexity of the painting becomes clear when you look closely.
- They love the harmonic complexity of jazz music.
- Good game design balances complexity with accessibility.
- The movie has a lot of emotional complexity.
- I enjoy the complexity of this jazz song.
- The chef talked about the complexity of the sauce.
- The complexity of the story makes it very interesting.
- Some players like the complexity of this board game.
- Base: complexity
- Plural: complexities, complexity
add complexity
1make something more complex
To make something more complex or harder to understand by adding more parts or rules.
- New regulations add complexity to an already difficult process.
- These extra features add complexity without much benefit.
in all its complexity
1including all difficult parts
Used to say that you are looking at or describing something with all of its difficult and detailed parts, not in a simple way.
- The documentary shows the city in all its complexity.
- We need to face the problem in all its complexity, not just one part.
navigate the complexities
1deal with many difficult details
To deal with and manage many difficult and detailed parts of a situation or system.
- A good advisor can help you navigate the complexities of the tax system.
- Small businesses often struggle to navigate the complexities of regulation.
the complexities of
1many difficult aspects of something
Used to talk about the many difficult and detailed parts of a system, process, or situation.
- The course introduces students to the complexities of international law.
- She writes clearly about the complexities of modern relationships.