complex
/ˈkɒm.pleks/ IELTSAcademic
adjective
If something is complex, it has many parts or is hard to understand. It is more difficult than something simple or easy.
- This is a complex problem.
- Her answer was complex, not simple.
- The rules are complex for new users.
noun
A complex is a group of buildings, rooms, or parts that belong together. It can also mean a set of feelings or ideas connected in the mind.
- The hotel is part of a new shopping complex.
- They live in an office complex.
- He has a complex about speaking in public.
Adinary Nuance
Complex is stronger than difficult or complicated when many parts are involved. Use complicated for something hard because of many details or confusing steps. Use complex when you want to stress that the thing itself has many connected parts.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- phức tạp
- Spanish
- complejo
- Chinese
- 复杂
- Japanese
- 複雑な
- Korean
- 복잡한
Etymology
Complex comes from Latin complexus, meaning 'woven together' or 'joined together'. English has used it since the 1600s.
Common phrases
a complex issuea complex systema residential complexan inferiority complex
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is complex more formal than complicated?
- Yes, a little. Complex often sounds more formal and fits academic or technical writing.
- What's the difference between complex and complicated?
- Complex means many connected parts. Complicated often means hard to understand or deal with.
- Can I say 'a complex problem'?
- Yes. It is very common in academic, business, and everyday English.
- What does 'inferiority complex' mean?
- It means a strong feeling that you are not as good as other people.