unidimensional
UK: ˌjuːnɪdɪˈmɛnʃən(ə)l | US: ˌjuːnɪdɪˈmɛnʃən(ə)l
adj. having or involving only one dimension
adj. lacking depth or complexity; oversimplified
The word combines "uni-" (from Latin unus, meaning "one"), "dimension" (from Latin dimensio, meaning "measuring"), and the adjectival suffix "-al" (from Latin -alis). It emerged in scientific and mathematical contexts to describe objects or concepts confined to a single measurable aspect (e.g., length without width or depth). Over time, it gained metaphorical use to critique overly simplistic perspectives.
The unidimensional model failed to account for cultural variables.
Her analysis was criticized as unidimensional, ignoring historical context.
In geometry, a line is a unidimensional object.
The study reduced human behavior to unidimensional metrics.
Avoid unidimensional thinking when solving complex problems.