complex

Having many connected parts, which can make something hard to understand.

• The machine has a complex design.
• Their relationship became more complex over time.
• This system is too complex for me to explain quickly.

Similar words: complicated, intricate

Opposites: simple

Common phrases: complex system, complex problem, complex structure, complex organism

A group of buildings or facilities used for the same general purpose.

• The sports complex has two pools.
• They built a new office complex near the station.
• Several apartment complexes have opened in this area.

Common phrases: sports complex, shopping complex, apartment complex, office complex

A strong fear or feeling of worry about something, often making you feel bad about yourself.

• She has a complex about her appearance.
• His constant criticism gave me an inferiority complex.
• I developed a complex about speaking in public.

How to use it: complex about something (He has a complex about his height.)

Similar words: hang-up

Common phrases: inferiority complex, complex about something, develop a complex

A chemical structure with a central atom or molecule loosely connected to other atoms or molecules.

• The metal forms a complex in water.
• This complex contains a central copper atom.
• The researchers studied how these complexes form.

Common phrases: metal complex, chemical complex, form a complex

A group of closely connected systems, organizations, or activities that work together.

• The military-industrial complex has considerable political influence.
• These industries form a closely connected economic complex.
• The report examines the power of the military-industrial complex.

Similar words: network

Common phrases: military-industrial complex, industrial complex, economic complex

A problem or difficulty that needs to be dealt with.

• They faced a troublesome complex.
• The discussion failed to resolve the complex.
• A new complex arose during the negotiations.

Similar words: problem, difficulty

Common phrases: resolve a complex, face a complex, troublesome complex

A storm formed when two storm fronts meet and their thunderstorms join together.

• The complex formed where two storm fronts met.
• Radar showed the storm complex moving east.
• Several complexes brought heavy rain to the region.

Common phrases: storm complex, thunderstorm complex, developing storm complex