ˈwən-də-ˈmen(t)-sh(ə-)nəl
as in superficial
having or showing a lack of depth of understanding or character
a one-dimensional analysis of a novel that has a lot to say about personal courage
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Recent Examples of one-dimensional
Leathered and soft-honed finishes will replace ultra-glossy finishes, and natural stone with movement and depth will replace flat, one-dimensional countertop materials.
—
Cori Sears, The Spruce, 30 Jan. 2026
Some dishes were less successful, like the one-dimensional saffron rice pilaf and gummy mac and cheese, which did not benefit from swapping macaroni elbows with orecchiette, a pasta shape that tends to clump together in cheesy sauces.
—Henri Hollis, AJC.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Again, we have been led to believe that fighting against injustice is one-dimensional.
—Essence, 20 Jan. 2026
By making the Chargers one-dimensional, the Pats were able to ramp up their pass rush versus Justin Herbert and sack him six times.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 18 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for one-dimensional
Cori Sears, The Spruce, 30 Jan. 2026
Some dishes were less successful, like the one-dimensional saffron rice pilaf and gummy mac and cheese, which did not benefit from swapping macaroni elbows with orecchiette, a pasta shape that tends to clump together in cheesy sauces.
—Henri Hollis, AJC.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Again, we have been led to believe that fighting against injustice is one-dimensional.
—Essence, 20 Jan. 2026
By making the Chargers one-dimensional, the Pats were able to ramp up their pass rush versus Justin Herbert and sack him six times.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 18 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for one-dimensional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for one-dimensional
Adjective
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Unlike body composition metrics, BMI obscures the true extent of metabolic dysfunction and cannot distinguish between muscle and fat — or between superficial fat and the visceral fat that drives diabetes, heart disease and other chronic conditions.—
Bret Scher,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Feb. 2026
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After he was taken into custody, he was found to be bleeding from his hand and had several superficial cuts on his stomach.—
Patrick Damp,
CBS News,
4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Amid the nods to social media and cancel culture and the shallow perils of modern celebrity, the image of Taylor-Joy’s disciplined group of insurgents, who speak in almost archaic, poetic dialogue, strikes a bracing contrast.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
5 Feb. 2026
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Vegetables with slow root development typically form deeper vertical roots rather than shallow horizontal roots.—
Tessa Cooper,
The Spruce,
5 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“One-dimensional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/one-dimensional. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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