Overcomplexity: meaning, definitions and examples
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overcomplexity
[ ˌoʊvərkəmˈpleksɪti ]
in business
The state or quality of being excessively intricate or convoluted, often leading to inefficiency and confusion. Overcomplexity can hinder decision-making processes and slow down progress.
Synonyms
complexity, complication, convolution, entanglement.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
overcomplexity |
This term is best used when describing something that is unnecessarily or excessively complex, often to the point of confusion or inefficiency. It carries a negative connotation.
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complication |
This word is appropriate when referring to an additional problem or difficulty that makes a situation more difficult or complex. It often has a negative connotation.
|
complexity |
Use this word when referring to something that has multiple interconnected parts or layers. It is neutral and can be used both positively or negatively depending on the context.
|
convolution |
Use this word when describing something that is extremely complex and twisted, often to the point where it is hard to follow or understand. It carries a negative connotation.
|
entanglement |
This term is used when referring to a complex situation involving a lot of complicated, intertwined elements or relationships. It can be used both positively or negatively depending on the context.
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Examples of usage
- The overcomplexity of the company's organizational structure resulted in communication breakdowns.
- The overcomplexity of the new software caused delays in the project timeline.
in design
The tendency to make something more complicated than necessary, often compromising functionality or aesthetics. Overcomplexity in design can detract from the user experience.
Synonyms
elaboration, ornateness, overengineering, verbosity.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
overcomplexity |
This word refers to something made too complex, more than necessary. It often suggests unnecessary complications.
|
elaboration |
Elaboration is used when providing additional details or clarifying something. It involves explaining more thoroughly.
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overengineering |
This term is used in technical or engineering contexts when a project or product becomes more complicated than required, often making it less efficient.
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ornateness |
Ornateness is used to describe something that is very decorative or fancy, often in a way that may be seen as excessive.
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verbosity |
Verbosity refers to the use of too many words, often making communication less clear. It has a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- The overcomplexity of the user interface confused first-time users.
- The overcomplexity of the architecture made the building construction more challenging.
Translations
Translations of the word "overcomplexity" in other languages:
🇵🇹 complexidade excessiva
🇮🇳 अतिविकटता
🇩🇪 Überkomplexität
🇮🇩 kerumitan berlebihan
🇺🇦 перенасиченість складністю
🇵🇱 nadmierna złożoność
🇯🇵 過度な複雑さ
🇫🇷 surcomplexité
🇪🇸 sobracomplejidad
🇹🇷 aşırı karmaşıklık
🇰🇷 과도한 복잡성
🇸🇦 تعقيد مفرط
🇨🇿 přílišná složitost
🇸🇰 nadmerná zložitosť
🇨🇳 过度复杂性
🇸🇮 prekompleksnost
🇮🇸 ofurflækja
🇰🇿 шамадан тыс күрделілік
🇬🇪 ზედმეტი სირთულე
🇦🇿 həddindən artıq mürəkkəblik
🇲🇽 sobracomplejidad
Etymology
The word 'overcomplexity' is a combination of the prefix 'over-' meaning excessively or beyond and the noun 'complexity' meaning the state of being intricate or complicated. It first appeared in the English language in the mid-20th century as a descriptor for situations or systems that are unnecessarily convoluted. Over time, it has become commonly used in various fields, such as business, technology, and design, to highlight the drawbacks of excessive complexity. The concept of overcomplexity serves as a reminder to strive for simplicity and efficiency in processes and products.
See also: complex, complexify, complexity, complexly.