one-dimensional
adjective
one-di·men·sion·al
ˈwən-də-ˈmen(t)-sh(ə-)nəl 
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
Douglas R. Hofstadter2
: lacking depth or complexity : superficial
To the audience, the term "sitcom" connoted a lot of one-dimensional stories and characters.—Bob Fisher
Bob Fisher
one-dimensionally
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
If the pasta becomes too soft, the dish can feel one-dimensional, Rummo says.
—
Olivia McIntosh,
Martha Stewart,
29 June 2026
Chelsea supporters found Maresca’s style of play to be one-dimensional at times.
—
Graham Ruthven,
Forbes.com,
29 June 2026
After my first World Cup, my understanding of my grandparents’ home country became one-dimensional, existing solely through the lens of soccer.
—
Jordan Salama,
New Yorker,
27 June 2026
That’d be one-dimensional spaces through the origin in a plane.
—
Quanta Magazine,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for one-dimensional
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.
Olivia McIntosh,
Martha Stewart,
29 June 2026
Chelsea supporters found Maresca’s style of play to be one-dimensional at times.
—
Graham Ruthven,
Forbes.com,
29 June 2026
After my first World Cup, my understanding of my grandparents’ home country became one-dimensional, existing solely through the lens of soccer.
—
Jordan Salama,
New Yorker,
27 June 2026
That’d be one-dimensional spaces through the origin in a plane.
—
Quanta Magazine,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for one-dimensional
Cite this Entry
“One-dimensional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/one-dimensional. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
