complex

complex is on the Basic English 850 List.

complete - complex - condition

complex is on the Academic Word List.

Pronunciation

adjective

• enPR: kəmplĕks' or kŏm'plĕks
• (UK) IPA ^(key): /kəmˈplɛks/ or /ˈkɒmplɛks/, SAMPA: /k@m"plEks/ or /"kQmplEks/
• (US) IPA ^(key): /kəmˈplɛks/ or /ˈkɑmplɛks/, SAMPA: /k@m"plEks>/ or /"kAmplEks/

• Audio (UK)

  (file)

• Audio (US)

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noun

• enPR: kŏm'plĕks
• (UK) IPA ^(key): /ˈkɒmplɛks/, SAMPA: /"kQmplEks/
• (US) IPA ^(key): /ˈkɑmplɛks/, SAMPA: /"kAmplEks/

• Audio (UK)

  (file)

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Adjective

Positive complex

Comparative more complex

Superlative most complex

Complex is on the Academic Vocabulary List.

1. If something is complex, it has lots of parts or pieces, or is difficult to understand.
   • Synonym: complicated
   • Antonym: simple

   He has constructed a complex computer system to send translated messages between humans and dolphins.

   A complex problem that we face today is poverty, especially in Africa.

Noun

Singular complex

Plural complexes

1. A problem.
2. A group of buildings with a common purpose, such as a university or military base.
3. A psychologically-based dislike or fear of a particular thing.

   Jim has a complex about working for a woman boss.

4. A thunderstorm that forms when two storm fronts collide.
5. (chemistry) A structure with a central atom or molecule that has a weak connection to atoms or molecules around it.

Related words

• complexity
• complexness
• complexly