one-dimensional

adjective

one-di·​men·​sion·​al ˈwən-də-ˈmen(t)-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce one-dimensional (audio)
also -dī-
Synonyms of one-dimensionalnext
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
ˈwən-də-ˌmen(t)-shə-ˈna-lə-tē How to pronounce one-dimensional (audio)
also -dī-
noun
one-di​mension​ally adverb
a one-dimensionally portrayed character
The pixels were arranged one-dimensionally. [=in a straight line]

Synonyms of one-dimensional

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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.
That’d be one-dimensional spaces through the origin in a plane. — Quanta Magazine, 25 June 2026 If the pasta becomes too soft, the dish can feel one-dimensional, Rummo says. — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 29 June 2026 And while the power play is his specialty, Zuccarello isn’t one-dimensional. — Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 1 July 2026 Costner is simply too one-dimensional a performer to make that transformation work, and his character feels like an inert symbol rather than a flawed human being from the start. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 3 July 2026 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

Rhymes for one-dimensional

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Browse Nearby Words

on edge
one-dimensional
one-eighty
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Cite this Entry

“One-dimensional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/one-dimensional. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

one-dimensional

adjective
1
: having one dimension
2
: stereotyped

More from Merriam-Webster on one-dimensional

Nglish: Translation of one-dimensional for Spanish Speakers

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