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.
The success on the ground kept the Steelers in manageable third-down situations and prevented them from becoming one-dimensional. The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025 The team showed that entanglement creation and single-photon collecting may happen simultaneously across multiple atoms by projecting their one-dimensional atom array onto a commercial fiber array. Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 12 Oct. 2025 Florida’s defense is just as good as Auburn’s — and Florida's offense is a country mile better than Auburn’s one-dimensional crapshoot. Matt Hayes, USA TODAY, 10 Oct. 2025 Offensive line issues continue Despite the return of Barnes, TCU was rendered one-dimensional on offense, as the offensive line failed to generate much against the second-worst rushing defense in the Big 12. Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

one-dimensional

adjective
1
: having one dimension
2

More from Merriam-Webster on one-dimensional

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