one-dimensional

adjective

one-di·​men·​sion·​al
ˈwən-də-ˈmen(t)-sh(ə-)nəl
 How to pronounce one-dimensional (audio)
 also  -dī-
1
: having one dimension
A straight line is one-dimensional.
The one-dimensional sequence of amino acids is the primary structure.Douglas R. Hofstadter
2
: lacking depth or complexity : superficial
To the audience, the term "sitcom" connoted a lot of one-dimensional stories and characters.Bob Fisher
one-dimensionality noun
one-di​mension​ally adverb
a one-dimensionally portrayed character
The pixels were arranged one-dimensionally. [=in a straight line]

Examples of one-dimensional in a Sentence

a one-dimensional analysis of a novel that has a lot to say about personal courage
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Women are presented in such a one-sided, one-dimensional way. Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 20 July 2025 Not every president in the modern era has had such a one-dimensional party to support his legislative agenda. James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 July 2025 Despite being more one-dimensional, Lagway finished second nationally to Ole Miss’ Jaxon Dart with an average of 10 yards per attempt and second in the SEC in passer rating (154.93) to Dart, a first-round pick by the N.Y. Giants. Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 July 2025 Joe is willfully ignorant—to national news and a lethal pandemic—but Aster didn’t write the character as a one-dimensional MAGA standee. Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 17 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for one-dimensional

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of one-dimensional was in 1876

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Cite this Entry

“One-dimensional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/one-dimensional. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

one-dimensional

adjective
1
: having one dimension
2

More from Merriam-Webster on one-dimensional

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